Here's some entirely yellow coneflowers. This gives a glimpse of stages of opening. Prairie coneflower is sometimes called Mexican hats, from a resemblance to sombreros? Both names are also used for other related plants. Indians used this plant, mostly in infusions, most often to treat skin and eye problems, or wounds. The Dakota rarely used the leaves for tea. It would seem to be unpalatable, because the Keres applied it to the breasts of nursing mothers to encourage weaning.