Mexican Hat
Ratibida columnaris (Asteraceae)

A robust, drought tolerant annual to perennial variety native to the mid-west and has naturalized throughout North America. The characteristic black, cone-shaped heads are surrounded by drooping, fire-red ray flowers with a splash of yellow accent. At maturity the upright branching stems may become woody. Prefers full sun in well drained soil. Outstanding in hot-humid climates.

“Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain.”
–   Henry David Thoreau  

Keep your hat on in the sun. ††† en theos ††† jim work