Quick answer: Mexican hat (Ratibida columnifera) is native to 17 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Dry-Moist, high drought tolerance |
| Soil | Well-drained soils - limestone-based, caliche, clay, clay loam, medium loam, sandy loam |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Oct |
| Height | 1.5-3 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Nectar for bees/butterflies/insects, seeds for granivorous birds, special value to native bees, high deer resistance |
Invasive / regulated
none noted formally; caution that it grows aggressively and may push out weaker species
Buying it
Wild species
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
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