Ratibida columnifera

Ratibida columnifera

Mexican Hat, Yellow Coneflower

These upright perennials (1-3') bloom in the summer at elevations between 5,000 to 8,5000 feet on plains and in openings in pine forests. The Yellow Coneflower has a purplish central cone and reflexed yellow petals whitele the Mexican Hat has drooping brick-red ray petalss and red disks. They prefer full sun and require little maintenance. They were often used bu Native Americans as a snakebite remedy and to reduce fevers.