Prairie coneflower is

• Perennial that grows 12 to 36 inches tall with a stout taproot.
• Inflorescence (flowering part of the plant) consists of four to ten yellow petals, which droop around the central column, one to one and a half inches long of disk florets (small flowers).
• Leaves are pinnate (compound leaf with leaflets arranged on opposite sides of the axis) dissecting into five or nine segments alternately located.

Photo Credits: Aaron RInker, USFWS

Prairie coneflower grows along roads, mesas, prairies and limey soils, but sometimes used as an ornamental. It is palatable to all stock and wildlife.

Dakota and Lakota Indians used Prairie coneflower to make tea to cure such ailments like stomachaches, headaches, and a drinking beverage. The Cheyenne prepared a solution for rattlesnake bites and poison ivy. Yellow dyes were also made.

For a complete Refuge species list

For in-depth plant information
connect with the U.S. Dept Agriculture Plant Data Base

Last Updated: 1/14/09

Blooming Times On The Refuge

April-June: Sand lily

May-June: Ball cactus, Prickly pear

May-July: Scarlet butterfly weed, Prairie evening primrose, Blanket flower, Low daisy

May-August: Blue flax, Wine cup

June-August: Rocky Mountain beeplant, Wavy leaved thistle, Blazing star

June-September: Prairie coneflower, Hairy golden aster, Evening star, Sunflower, Scarlet globemallow

July-September: Black eyed susan, Purple prairie aster

NORTHERN PRAIRIE WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER