Mexican Hat

Celebrated for its regional ecological value, Mexican Hat (Ratibida columnifera) is a deciduous Texas perennial native across the Central Great Plains, Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, High Plains, Southern Texas Plains, Southwestern Tablelands, and Texas Blackland Prairies. It features distinctive green foliage. During Spring, Summer, and Fall, the plant produces yellow blooms. Flowering is followed by ornamental fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene that add seasonal interest. Beverage tea from leaves. (Kindscher) An essential species for Texas habitat restoration, offering vital forage and cover for local wildlife. Best suited to calcareous, caliche, clay, dry, loam, moist, sand, and well drained, Mexican Hat adapts seamlessly to local soil conditions. It requires minimal supplemental water and tolerates dry spells with ease. It offers high deer resistance.