Upright prairie coneflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Upright prairie coneflower |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ratibida
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| Species: |
columnifera
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| Synonyms | |
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Ratibida columnaris (Pursh) D.Don |
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The Mexican hat plant, also known as upright prairie coneflower, is a beautiful wild flower. Its scientific name is Ratibida columnifera. This plant is a type of flowering plant that comes back every year, which means it's a perennial. It belongs to the Ratibida group of plants, which are often called prairie coneflowers. It's also part of the large daisy family, known as Asteraceae.
Where the Mexican Hat Plant Lives
This plant naturally grows across a large part of North America. You can find it in many places, from southern Canada all the way through most of the United States to northern Mexico. It loves to grow in open areas like prairies and plains. You might also spot it along roadsides or in places where the ground has been disturbed, like construction sites or fields that have been worked on.
Special Uses of the Mexican Hat Plant
Long ago, the Zuni people, who are a Native American tribe, found a special use for the Mexican hat plant. They would make a special drink, called an infusion, from the whole plant. This drink was used to help someone throw up if they felt sick.
