Clasping coneflower Rudbeckia amplexicaulis
ABOUT
R. amplexicaulis is an erect annual with ovate, stem-clasping leaves and solitary yellow flowers 5-7cm across in late summer and early autumn, the large central disk brown
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Clasping Coneflower, Clasping-leaf Coneflower
Common names
Rudbeckia amplexicaulis
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Clasping Coneflower, the common name for Rudbeckia amplexicaulis, adds beauty and visual interest to gardens with its bright yellow flowers and prominent central cones.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is known to attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects, which is beneficial for the pollination of nearby plants and the overall health of the garden ecosystem.
- Drought Resistance: Clasping Coneflower is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it an easy choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Naturalization: Clasping Coneflower readily self-seeds in suitable conditions, leading to naturalization and the gradual expansion of planting areas without much human intervention.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a long flowering season, typically from mid-summer to early autumn, which ensures prolonged enjoyment of its blooms.
- Wildlife Habitat: Its seeds are a food source for birds, particularly finches, and the plant provides shelter for small wildlife within garden settings.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Clasping Coneflower can be used in a variety of garden designs, including wildflower gardens, borders, and as a backdrop for shorter plants.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system of the plant helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rudbeckia amplexicaulis, commonly known as Clasping coneflower, can be used as a natural dye source; the flowers and stems may yield a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- Clasping coneflower's strong stems can be used in basket weaving and other fiber arts as a natural material that adds texture and strength.
- The seeds of Clasping coneflower are a food source for birds, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens and habitats.
- Clasping coneflower can be planted in mass to prevent soil erosion due to its extensive root system that holds soil in place.
- The dried flower heads of Clasping coneflower can be used in floral arrangements to add an autumnal aesthetic to home decor.
- The bright yellow flowers of Clasping coneflower can be used in pigment extraction for natural art products like watercolors or inks.
- Children can use the coneflower's distinctive shape in nature crafts, such as creating stamps for botanical printing or impressions in clay.
- Clasping coneflower can serve as a teaching tool in botany and environmental education programs, illustrating plant biology and pollinator relationships.
- Photographers and artists may utilize Clasping coneflower as a subject for their work due to its vibrant flowers and interesting structure.
- Planting Clasping coneflower in urban environments can help to increase biodiversity and provide small oases for pollinators in city spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clasping Coneflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clasping Coneflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Justice: Rudbeckia amplexicaulis, commonly known as Clasping Coneflower, often symbolizes justice due to its radial symmetry, which can represent fairness and balance.
- Optimism: The bright yellows commonly found in the Clasping Coneflower petals represent positivity and brightness, invoking a sense of optimism and hope in challenging times.
- Longevity: As a hardy plant, Clasping Coneflower also symbolizes longevity and the ability to thrive in a range of conditions, much like an individual's capacity to endure life's trials.
- Encouragement and Motivation: The upright stance and open face of the Clasping Coneflower blooms are often seen as a symbol of encouragement and motivation, inspiring one to stand tall and face the sun, regardless of difficulties.
WaterThe Clasping Coneflower requires regular watering to maintain moist soil, especially during dry periods. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about one to two gallons per square foot of soil, depending on weather conditions. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of foliar diseases. Instead, use a drip irrigation system or water directly at the base of the plant. During the peak of summer or in particularly hot climates, monitor the soil moisture closely and increase the frequency to twice a week if the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
LightThe Clasping Coneflower thrives in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant is in a location where it can bask in unobstructed sunlight, which will promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. While it can tolerate some partial shade, too little light can lead to weak stems and fewer blooms.
TemperatureClasping Coneflowers prefer a temperature range between 60°F and 70°F but can survive in temperatures as low as 40°F and as high as 85°F. They are hardy in a range of climates but perform best in moderate conditions without extreme heat or frost. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to help regulate temperature and prevent problems associated with dampness or humidity.
PruningRegular pruning of Clasping Coneflowers encourages bushier growth and more flowers. Prune spent blooms throughout the flowering season to promote continuous blooming. In late winter or early spring, cut back the entire plant to about 4-6 inches above ground to prepare for new growth. Pruning at this time helps remove old, dead growth and rejuvenate the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Clasping Coneflower (Rudbeckia amplexicaulis), the best soil mix is well-draining garden soil with added compost or organic matter. Aim for a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Ensure the soil maintains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
RepottingClasping Coneflower (Rudbeckia amplexicaulis) generally does not need frequent repotting as it is a perennial that can be divided every few years instead of repotting.
Humidity & MistingClasping Coneflower (Rudbeckia amplexicaulis) tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers a moderate to high humidity environment, mimicking its natural habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and moist soil for Clasping Coneflower.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-drained soil for Clasping Coneflower.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleRudbeckia amplexicaulis, commonly known as the Clasping Coneflower, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate, typically in early spring. The seedlings emerge and develop into rosettes, with leaves clasping the stem, a characteristic feature giving the plant its name. As the plant matures, it elongates and develops a sturdy stem that allows it to withstand various environmental conditions. Flowering typically occurs in the summer, when it produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers with a raised central cone. After pollination, often by insects attracted to its vivid color and nectar, the plant sets seeds that are distributed by wind, animals, or gravity. As a perennial, the Clasping Coneflower may die back in winter, only to regrow from the root system the following spring, thus completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: Rudbeckia amplexicaulis, commonly known as Clasping Coneflower, is usually propagated by seeds. The best time to sow seeds is either in fall or early spring. Fall sowing allows the seeds to go through a natural stratification process during the winter, which can break seed dormancy and improve germination. To propagate by seeds in spring, it is helpful to stratify the seeds artificially by placing them in moist sand or a moistened paper towel inside a plastic bag, then storing them in a refrigerator at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) for about four to six weeks before sowing. After stratification, seeds can be sown directly into a prepared garden bed or started indoors in pots with seed starting mix. It usually takes about two to three weeks for seedlings to emerge when maintained at room temperature, and they can be transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
