A native perennial, found growing in moist areas. Commonly found in moist ditches along the road. A combination of the verticle structure of the plant and the bright color of the flower make this an outstanding native plant.
Plant Type
All Plants, Wild Flowers
Hardiness Zone
4
Sunlight
full sun to light shade
Moisture
wet to moist
Soil & Site
wet to moist
Flowers
orange to reddish orange, petals reflex back giving the flower a shape of a Turkish hat, late June on, up to 40 flowers on mature plants
Leaves
whorl around the stem
Dimensions
3-10 feet tall, will produce clumps
Propagation
seeds, division of scales
Misc Facts
This plant originated in mezic, moist prairie soils. Native Americans used this as a food source.
Author's Notes
I grew up seeing this plant growing in the ditches along the roads in the Superior Wisconsin area. It always stood out because it was tall and the flowers were easy to spot. Due to more frequent mowing of the roadsides this plant has been reported to be in a decline in certain areas.
Notes & Reference
#09-The Prairie Garden (J. Robert Smith with Beatrice Smith), #41-Wildflowers of Wisconsin (Stan Teikiela)