In the Community: What's In Bloom
Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera)
This common perennial prairie plant shows up along roadsides and other recently disturbed areas. Its distinctive flower has a long cone-shaped centre with what appear to be yellow petals that droop down. In reality, each of the petals is actually a flower in itself, typical of the Composite family of plants, which includes asters, daisies, thistles, and sunflowers, among others. This plant blooms from early July for the rest of the summer. Historically, First Nations people used Prairie Coneflower for making dye, and tea, and as a remedy for snakebite and poison ivy.
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