Similar in many ways to R. pinnata, R. columnifera is found at the western edge of the Tallgrass region. This plant has the ray flowers surrounding an elongated central disk more than twice as long as it is wide. The ray flowers are sometimes tinged with dark red. Tall and slender, it grow to 4 tom 5 feet under ideal conditions. Leaves tend to droop a little with the lower leaves being larger that the upper. The "cone" at the center is actually a "disk" of flowers. Before the disk flowers open, the cone is gray colored. After opening, the cone then appears brown.

Edible Uses: A pleasant tasting tea is made from the leaves and flower heads.

Medicinal Uses:

The leaves and stems are analgesic. An infusion is used to relieve the pain of headaches and to treat stomach aches and fevers. A decoction is used as a wash to relieve pain and to treat poison ivy rash. The decoction is also used as a wash to draw the poison out of a rattlesnakes bite.

Herbal Uses: Unknown