Mexican hat (prairie coneflower) Ratibida columnifera
Mexican hat (prairie coneflower) (Ratibida columnifera) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Great Plains from Canada to northern Mexico. It grows 40–90 cm (16–35 in) tall and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
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Mexican hat (prairie coneflower) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 40–90 cm (16–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Great Plains from Canada to northern Mexico |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Mexican hat (prairie coneflower) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Mexican hat (prairie coneflower)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Mexican hat (prairie coneflower)
- How far apart should I plant Mexican hat (prairie coneflower)?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 in).
- Does Mexican hat (prairie coneflower) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mexican hat (prairie coneflower) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Mexican hat (prairie coneflower)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Mexican hat (prairie coneflower) flower?
- From about June for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Mexican hat (prairie coneflower) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Mexican hat (prairie coneflower)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mexican hat (prairie coneflower). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Native Plant Information Network, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin
- VASCAN: Database of Vascular Plants of Canada, Canadensys / Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre
Notes and assumptions
- Drooping red-and-yellow rays under a tall brown cone like a sombrero. Short-lived; self-seeds in meadows.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
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