Mexican hat

Ratibida columnifera var. pulcherrima

Drought tolerant native perennial with showy drooping maroon-red ray petals, blooming June to September. Common on dry well-drained grasslands, shrublands, roadsides and disturbed soils; up to 9,000 ft. elevation. Similar form and adaptation to Yellow prairie coneflower (R. columnifera), but occurs more commonly in the Southwest. Useful in revegetation, restoration and as an ornamental. Easily reseeds itself. Seed is utilized by birds and small mammals. Various mid to late-season pollinating insects, including honeybees and butterflies, are attracted to the nectar and pollen.