A fascinating phenomenon known as fasciation was discovered in the wildflower meadow at the NTP. The Ratibida columnifera, commonly referred to as the prairie coneflower or Mexican hat, is exhibiting a unique condition called fasciation or cresting. This condition affects vascular plants randomly, leading to the abnormal fusion or flattening of plant organs, which results in ribbon-like, coiled, and contorted tissue. Master naturalist guide Robert Favala first spotted this remarkable mutation and took a photo on May 20. We have since captured additional pictures this week to follow the progression of this interesting discovery.

To learn more about fasciation, use this link:

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/fascinating-fasciation/