Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea Family: Asteraceae Plant Characteristics: Stout upright herbaceous perennial 2-5 feet in height; conspicuous, coarse green leaves get smaller up the stem; showy daisy-like flowers are pink to purple and occur singly atop stems. USDA Hardiness Zone: 3a-7b Bloom Period: Summer (June-August) Growing Conditions: Performs best in full sun and average-to-dry, well-drained soil. Although tolerant of poor soil and drought once established, richer garden soil and consistent moisture will enhance overall growth and flower production. Attracts: Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and many other insect pollinators Notes: This popular native wildflower is easy to grow and an absolute must for any butterfly or pollinator garden. It is well suited for everything from small garden spaces to larger naturalized meadows or prairies. The showy and distinctive flowers begin to appear in midsummer and bloom profusely until early fall. The domed, spiny centers provide a sturdy landing platform for butterflies and other pollinators and easy access to abundant nectar. Purple coneflower is widely available commercially, and numerous striking cultivars exist in various colors.

Regular deadheading of blooms will encourage continued flowering. Spent flower heads provide abundant seed resources for hungry songbirds, including goldfinches, cardinals, and others. Use in perennial beds with other sun-loving, shorter-lived perennials. Easily propagated by seed or root division. For a somewhat more delicate-looking alternative, try pale purple coneflower ( Echinacea pallida ), which grows well in similar conditions and freely self-seeds.