Ratibida columnifera

Ratibida columnifera is a flowering plant native to Louisiana westward. It naturally grows in open prairie-like habitats. It prefers full sun to part shade sites with dry to occasionally moist soils. It is drought tolerant. It can grow up to three feet in a season, but dies back almost completely in the winter. Leaving dormant stems provides necessary over-wintering habitat for pollinators. Bright yellow and maroon flowers bloom in the summer and attract many pollinators. Birds eat the seeds in the fall and winter. Ratibida columnifera works well as a specimen plant in a yard or rain garden.