+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## clasping coneflower {#clasping-coneflower .Title-Header}           |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| *Dracopsis amplexicaulis* (Vahl) Cass.                                |
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| Plant Symbol = DRAM                                                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Contributed by: USDA NRCS Jamie L. Whitten Plant Materials Center

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="3.4375in"
height="2.2916666666666665in"}Thomas G. Barnes

@ PLANTS

##### Uses {#uses .Header-3}

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.

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

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 they 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.

##### Adaptation {#adaptation .Header-3}

It is adapted to many soil types, but clasping coneflower 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 is distributed throughout the South. For a current
distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species
on the PLANTS Website.

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

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.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

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.

##### Prepared By & Species Coordinator:  {#prepared-by-species-coordinator .Header-3}

USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service

Jamie L. Whitten Plant Materials Center, Coffeeville, MS

##### 

##### Edited: 01Feb2002 JLK; 05jun06 jsp {#edited-01feb2002-jlk-05jun06-jsp .Header-4}

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

*The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s [TARGET
Center](http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm) at 202-720-2600 (voice and
TDD).*

*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or
TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.*

*Read about [Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Convervation
Service](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/civilrights/).*