The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: pinnate prairie coneflower, gray-headed prairie coneflower, drooping prairie-coneflower

Family: Asteraceae (aster, daisy, sunflower family)

Distribution: e. North America

Habitat: Prairies, woodland openings and borders, limestone outcrops; 10–300 m

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Comments: This native perennial plant typically occurs in dry woods, prairies and along railroad tracks and roads. A somewhat rough-looking plant that features pinnately divided leaves on stiff stems growing 3-5' tall. The composite flowers have a dull-gray central disk in the shape of an elongated cylinder, somewhat resembling the crown of a slender sombrero. When bruised, the disk smells of anise. Attached to the bottom of the disk is a brim of 3-7, downward pointing, bright yellow ray flowers. Long summer bloom period.