Echinacea purpurea - Eastern Purple Coneflower

Morphology/Growth Habits: A strong and striking plant that is also low maintenance and resilient. Vibrant purple petals surround a dark, spiny center. Rough foliage and strong stems that hold single flowers. Flowers have a very sweet fragrance as well. Spreads primarily by seed. Deadheading encourages a second bloom in the fall. 

Height: 3-4 ft.

Light: Full Sun-Part Sun

Moisture: Medium 

Bloom color: Purple/Pink

Bloom time: May-July

Habitat/Best Environments: Naturally occurs in dry meadows and prairies. Grows best with ample sunlight and well-drained soil, but can tolerate many soil conditions. Resistant to heat, humidity, and salt! Tolerates drought as well. 

Ecological relationships: This wildflower attracts many pollinators! As fall approaches, native bees will nest in the dead stems of this flower, so leaving the stems standing is encouraged to support our pollinators! Larval host for Silvery Checkerspot and Wavy-Lined Emerald. Seeds feed many birds, and are particularly important to goldfinches. 

This wildflower has many medicinal properties and is commonly used in many medicines! *Historically, indigenous folks and traditional herbalists have used the roots and above ground parts for wound-healing, detoxification, and immune system boosters.

*Please soil test and do proper research before growing a plant for human consumption.

Fun facts: The genus name comes from the Greek word ‘echinos’, meaning hedgehog, referring to the flower’s spiky center.