Long-headed Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera), often called Mexican Hat, is a striking and charismatic wildflower that brings a touch of the Great Plains to any garden. This drought-tolerant perennial grows 1 to 3 feet tall and is famous for its unique flower structure: a tall, columnar dark brown central disc surrounded by drooping, bright yellow (or sometimes reddish-brown) petals. The overall effect strongly resembles a high-crowned sombrero, making it an instant conversation piece. Native to the central and western United States, it is a tough-as-nails plant that thrives in dry prairies, roadsides, and waste areas. It is a favorite of many pollinators, including bees and butterflies, who flock to its long-blooming flowers from June through September. Long-headed Coneflower is incredibly easy to grow, requiring full sun and well-drained, medium to dry soil. It is deer-resistant and can handle extreme heat and drought with ease. Whether used in a mass planting for a dramatic effect or as a tough-as-nails addition to a xeriscape, this coneflower is a reliable and visually stunning performer.

Quick facts

• Height: 1–3 ft
• Sun: Full to Partial
• Soil moisture: Medium to Dry
• Bloom time: Jun–Aug (Yellow)
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Native range: Native to 37 states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska

See the full growing guide and county range map for Long-headed Coneflower