Ratibida columnifera, commonly known as Prairie coneflower, is an unusual native wildflower. Its yellow, downward pointing "flower" petals (the real flowers are very small and ascending the long central cone) rise 2-3' above deeply lobed foliage. Once established, its deep taproot makes Prairie Coneflower extremely drought tolerant. Though tough, it is not such a vigorous grower that it will crowd out neighboring plants (though it may self-seed a bit) and it is unfortunately palatable to deer and other mammals. Makes an interesting cut-flower, though not as tall as R. pinnata.