Dracopis amplexicaulis Clasping Coneflower Seed Rudbeckia amplexicaulis
(DRAY-koh-pis  or drak-OP-is) am-pleks-ih-KAW-liss

Easyliving Native Perennial Wildflowers
Native Wild Flower Seed for Home Landscaping & Prairie Restorations
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   For other native wildflowers visit the wildflower seed list or potted plant list, to order copy the orderform or email questions, comments, and orders for Dracopis amplexicaulis Clasping Coneflower (Rudbeckia amplexicaulis) seed to john@easywildflowers.com  
     

Dracopis = From the Greek draco (dragon)
amplexicaulis = Clasping the stem

Dracopis amplexicaulis Clasping Coneflower was formerly know as Rudbeckia amplexicaulis. This plant is used mainly for landscape beautification.  It has potential for use in cultivated, garden situations, in naturalized prairie or meadow plantings, and along roadsides.

Clasping coneflower is an annual herb with elongated, bluish, waxy leaves that generally clasp around the stem at the base.  The flower heads are similar to those of black-eyed susans, but are smaller (mostly 1 to 2 inches in diameter).  The yellow outer "petals" droop as the flowers mature, and the cylindrical black center (receptacle) is elongated up to 2 inches in length.

 Dracopis amplexicaulis Clasping Coneflower is adapted to many soil types, but generally prefers a moist site.  Natural stands are usually found on bottomland areas with a fairly rich soil and ample moisture.  It prefers full sun and will not persist in a shaded location.

 Clasping coneflower grows wild across the Southern US and can be grown successfully over most of the country. 

 A firm seedbed is required.  Clasping coneflower germinates best on a clean tilled site that has been firmed with a roller or finishing harrow before planting.  Seed can also be planted into a closely mowed, chemically-killed, or burned sod area with a light disking or harrowing that scratches the soil surface.  A layer of plant residue on the soil will interfere with seed germination.  Broadcast or shallowly drill 2 to 3 grams per 100 square feet (2 to 3 lb/acre) broadcast or shallowly drilled.  Seed should be placed close to the soil surface.  Cultipacking after planting will ensure good seed to soil contact.  Seed will germinate soon after planting and remain as a small, nondescript plant over the winter months.

Dracopis amplexicaulis Clasping Coneflower plant growth and seed production are greatly improved by fertilization.  Fertilizer should be applied in the spring prior to flowering.  Apply according to soil test recommendations.  If test results are not available, a rate of 3.5 to 5.5 oz per 100 square feet (100 to 150 lb/acre) of 13-13-13 is adequate for most plantings.  For seed production, increase the fertilizer rate to 9 oz per 100 square feet (250 lb/acre).  Stands will reseed prolifically for several years, but will gradually decline without soil disturbance.  Every two to three years, the site should be disked to control perennial weeds and promote clasping coneflower germination.  If necessary, plants can be mowed in the spring before stem elongation begins.  Stands that are not disked should be mowed in late summer, and a late fall mowing in is also recommended.  

Dracopis amplexicaulis Clasping Coneflower is a showy annual wildflower native to the US, it likes moist, organically rich soils but is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Clasping Coneflower plants will tolerate light shade. heat, drought and a wide range of soil conditions except poorly-drained wet ones.  Seed may be planted directly in the garden in early spring or be started inside and transplanted after the last frost. Deadheading old flowers will encourage additional blooms.  Clasping coneflower will reseed itself or seed heads may be removed to prevent self-seeding. 

Dracopis amplexicaulis is named clasping coneflower because its leaves clasp the stems and is native from Georgia to Texas north to Missouri and Kansas. It grows wild along roadsides, waste areas, along streams and in prairies . This is a small-flowered glabrous composite that resembles Mexican hat (see Ratibida) in flower shape. It typically grows 18-24” tall. Flowers (to 2” across) feature columnar dark brown center disks (to 1” long), each with 5-10 drooping yellow ray flowers which may have orange or brownish-purple at the ray bases. Oblong to ovate leaves (to 4” long) are toothed to entire and clasp the stem.  Dracopis amplexicaulis is also called Rudbeckia amplexicauli

Dracopis amplexicaulis Clasping Coneflower (Rudbeckia amplexicaulis) grows wild throughout the South but can be planted and will grow over most of the US.

Use the chart below for shipping charges on Dracopis amplexicaulis Clasping Coneflower (Rudbeckia amplexicaulis)  flower seeds, to order copy the order form or email questions, comments & orders to john@easywildflowers.com

The minimum seed order amount is $10, this can be a combination of different seeds.

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 Dracopis amplexicaulis Clasping Coneflower (Rudbeckia amplexicaulis)  plant distribution map complements of USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1
  (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.