Gray-Headed Coneflower, Ohio
The Gray-headed Coneflower, Ratibida pinnata, is a native prairie plant of Ohio. Their bright yellow petals look to be drooping or swept back. The dark flower centers smell like anise when crushed, and they turn gray as the seeds mature. This plant is three to five feet tall, and blooms between June and September.
Prior to pioneer settlement, more than 300 natural prairies existed in Ohio, mostly in the western half of the state. They were primarily tallgrass prairies, with vegetation up to ten feet tall. Deep rooted and sunloving, these prairies were thought to be infertile by early farmers, because they had no trees growing on them. Unfortunately for the prairies, later farmers were a smarter bunch, and they wiped out many of Ohio's native plants after decades of intensive agriculture.
Five Rivers MetroParks' Land Stewardship Program has been working to bring back the native prairie plants. Planting, mowing and burning are done to keep woody plants from taking over in designated prairie areas.
Photo location: Germantown MetroPark, Montgomery County, Ohio.
