Mexican Hat Flower
Ratibida columnifera (Nutt.) Woot. & Standl.
Mexican Hat is a cheerful and distinctive native wildflower of the North American plains, instantly recognizable by its tall, thimble-like central cone and drooping ray petals that mimic a miniature sombrero. It symbolizes joy, resilience, and the wild, open spirit of the prairie.
Asteraceae (Daisy / Aster family)
Late spring through fall (May–October); one of the longest-blooming prairie wildflowers
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: coastal wildflowerss and gaillardias also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The Mexican Hat is one of the most beloved wildflowers of the American Great Plains and Southwest. Its common name comes from the unmistakable silhouette of its tall central cone and drooping petals, which resemble the classic broad-brimmed Mexican sombrero worn during festive occasions — a shape so distinctive that even children recognize it immediately. It is the state wildflower of New Mexico and blooms by the millions along Texas roadsides in summer, a spectacle celebrated in the region. The plant's long history with Plains Indigenous peoples, who valued it for both medicine and ceremony, reflects the deep relationship between prairie communities and this resilient, cheerful wildflower.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; tolerates partial shade but blooms most prolifically with at least 6 hours of direct sun
Water
Low to moderate; highly drought-tolerant once established; performs best in dry to medium soil moisture — dislikes wet or waterlogged conditions
Soil
Sandy loam, Clay loam, Loamy, Well-drained, Average to poor fertility, Tolerates alkaline soils
Expert Growing Tips
Direct sow seeds in fall or early spring in well-drained soil; barely cover seeds as they need light to germinate
Established plants are highly drought-tolerant and need little to no fertilizer
Deadhead spent flowerheads to extend the blooming season into fall
Plants self-seed prolifically — a great naturalizer for informal meadow and prairie gardens
Divide clumps every 3–4 years to maintain vigor
Pairs beautifully with black-eyed Susans, purple coneflower, and native grasses in prairie garden designs
Deer-resistant; the aromatic foliage is generally left alone by most browsing animals
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Prairie and meadow plantings
- Pollinator and butterfly gardens
- Xeriscape and drought-tolerant landscapes
- Roadside and naturalized wildflower plantings
- Long-lasting cut and dried flower arrangements
Traditional Uses
- Cheyenne people boiled leaves and stems in water and applied the liquid externally to draw poison from rattlesnake bites
- Infusions of leaves and flower heads were used by Plains peoples to relieve headaches, fevers, and stomach pain
- A decoction served as a wash to relieve pain and treat poison ivy rash
- The Zuni used an infusion of the whole plant as an emetic
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mexican Hat Flower
What does the Mexican hat flower symbolize?
Mexican Hat symbolizes joy, resilience, and the free-spirited beauty of the open prairie. Its festive silhouette and long blooming season make it a symbol of abundance, cheerfulness, and the enduring wildness of the American plains.
Why is it called Mexican Hat?
The flower gets its name from the unmistakable shape of its flowerhead — a tall, elongated central cone surrounded by downward-drooping ray petals, creating a profile that looks remarkably like a traditional wide-brimmed Mexican sombrero.
Is Mexican hat flower a perennial?
Yes, Ratibida columnifera is a native perennial, though in garden settings it sometimes behaves as a biennial, blooming in its second year and then persisting via prolific self-seeding. In prairie settings it forms long-lived clumping colonies.
Is Mexican hat flower the same as prairie coneflower?
Yes — Mexican Hat and Prairie Coneflower are different common names for the same plant, Ratibida columnifera. The "Mexican Hat" name typically refers especially to the red-rayed variety (forma pulcherrima), while "Prairie Coneflower" more often describes the yellow-rayed forms, but both belong to the same species.
Does Mexican hat flower attract butterflies?
Yes — Mexican Hat is an excellent pollinator plant, attracting bees, butterflies, and small native bees throughout its long blooming season. Goldfinches and other seed-eating birds also visit the spent cones in fall and winter to harvest seeds.
How do I grow Mexican hat from seed?
Sow seeds directly outdoors in fall or early spring onto loosely prepared, well-drained soil — barely cover them, as they need light for germination. Seeds are easy to establish and typically bloom in their first or second year. No stratification is required for fall planting.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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