Mexican Hat
by Valerie (October 21, 2002)
An easily identifiable plant, Mexican hat (Ratibida columnaris) is equally easy to grow. Other names include thimbleflower, prairie coneflower, and long-headed coneflower. A native perennial that prefers sun and handles drought admirably, it can be started from seed that is just broadcast in a suitable area. As our gardens become more overgrown, the shade has been a detriment to sun-loving plants like the Mexican hat, but it still manages to hang on, blossom and set seed. The stems are stiff and grow about two feet tall. Leaves are very thin, deeply notched, and have a stiff, hairy feel. The amount of maroon vs. yellow color on the ray flowers (petals) varies among individuals and can be completely one or the other, but usually is about half and half. Like other flowers in the family Compositae, the tiny disk flowers, which are arrayed in the center of the blossom, open gradually, starting at the outside edge or bottom of the elongated disk. It can take many days for the entire structure to finish blooming, during which the outer petals remain open. As the plant goes to seed, the large petals shrivel and the cone looks like a tiny corn cob. The seeds are easily dislodged once the whole flower dries. |