Upright Prairie Coneflower vs Yellow Hedysarum - TreeTime.ca

Upright Prairie Coneflower vs Yellow Hedysarum

Ratibida columnifera

Hedysarum sulphurescens

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Upright Prairie Coneflower
Yellow Hedysarum

Upright Prairie Coneflower is a native perennial wildflower known for its vibrant flowers, which range from golden yellow to dark rust-red with yellow edges. Rising on tall, slender stems, the flowers’ drooping petals surround a central cone. They bloom from midsummer into fall, attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. After blooming, the florets on the cone eventually develop into seeds, which provide a food source for birds.

Its upright growth habit allows it to grow in clusters, creating a striking display. Due to its deep taproot, Upright Prairie Coneflower is drought tolerant, making it well suited to dry areas and xeriscape gardens. Low-maintenance and deer-resistant, this wildflower is a great choice for adding vibrant color and ecological value to any landscape.

As a perennial, it dies back to the crown each winter, it will regrow from the base in the spring. Avoid disturbing the crown during late winter to ensure healthy growth the following season.

Yellow Hedysarum is a native perennial wildflower recognised for its clusters of bright yellow pea-like blooms. It adds colour to grasslands, roadsides, and open woods. It is also a nitrogen fixer, which helps improve soil fertility. Because of its deep root system, it contributes to slope and soil stabilisation.

The plant provides forage for wildlife and cover for small animals, especially its roots. Its flowers attract pollinators such as bees.

Yellow Hedysarum plays an important role in prairie and foothill ecosystems. It is well-suited for ecological restoration, naturalisation, pollinator gardens, and erosion control projects.

Upright Prairie Coneflower Quick Facts

Yellow Hedysarum Quick Facts

Zone: 3b
Zone: 2b
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: ascending to upright
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: golden yellow sometimes with red-brown; has long central cone
Flowers: creamy yellow, in dense spikes
Bloom time: early summer to early fall
Bloom time: late spring to summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Native to: AB, BC
Other Names: long-headed coneflower, prairie coneflower, red-spike mexican-hat, yellow prairie coneflower
Other Names: sulphur hedysarum, sulphur sweet-vetch, yellow sweet-vetch