Illinois Native Plant Guide

Yellow Cone Flower
Ratibida pinnata

Preferred Water Depth and Inundation Tolerance

Mesic prairie species. Species has no inundation tolerance.

Wildlife Value

Palatable to grazing species in young growth. Attracts butterflies and other insects.

Application/Zone

Extensive fibrous root systems are used to stabilize soil on upland slope buffers.

Availability, Establishment, and Maintenance

• Establishes easily from seed. Seed can be sown in the fall or spring. Best results can be reached by stratifying seed at 33-38o F for 30 days, but this is not essential for germination.
• Older plants can be divided and planted in the spring, but an extensive root system makes this difficult.

Yellow Cone Flower
Ratibida pinnata

Mature Height
Up to 3 feet

Plant Type
Perennial herb

Indicator Status
Upland

pH
6-7

Nutrient Load Tolerance
Low to moderate

Salt Tolerance
Not available

Siltation Tolerance
Low

Flowering Color and Time
Yellow
July to September

Light Preference
Full sun

Seeding Rate
Not available

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