Perennial
3-6 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms July to September
Dry to Wet Site
Over 200 seeds per pack
Zone 3-9
Grey-Headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) can be recognized by its drooping yellow petals. It is a favourite of bees and caterpillars of the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly and Wavy-Lined and Common Eupithecia moths feed on it as well. This native is palatable to livestock and can be used for grazing. It can be identified from other coneflowers by the licorice scent released by rubbing the flower's central disk.
Growing Instructions
Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.