The bright yellow flowers of prairie coneflower (Ratibida spp) feature heavily drooping petals that flutter in the slightest breeze, grouped around a tall, domed center crown. Its blooms hold for a long period in summer, and it mixes well with tall grasses in a naturalized setting. Since individual plants are somewhat narrow, it’s at its best when planted in masses. (Pollinators will also approve!) This tough native tolerates poor soil, dry and rocky sites.
Common visitors to prairie coneflower include butterflies and leafcutter, long-horned, mining, bumble and sweat bees, as well as the specialist mining bee Andrena rudbeckiae. It’s also highly rated for attracting beneficial insects such as wasps and syrphid flies, which help keep populations of problem insects in balance. Why not give it some space in your pollinator garden? Prairie coneflower might just be the prettiest pest control you’ve ever seen!
