Echinacea purpurea – Purple Coneflower

General Information: The growth habit of this fine native perennial wildflower is similar to that of Daisy or Black-Eyed Susan, but with showy purple flowers. Our Echinacea plants ship in their first year of growth and most often require a full growing season before the flowers emerge. Once established, they are a relatively long-lived perennial that is easily divided. Divisions can be made from fall to late winter by root cuttings, in spring by stem cuttings, or by seed from late fall to early spring. A lovely addition to pocket prairies, wildlife and pollinator gardens, foundation plantings, or as a specimen. Consider pairing with Wild False Indigo (Baptisia australis), Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum), Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), Bee Balms (Monarda spp.), Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.), Goldenrods (Solidago spp.), Prairie Golden Aster (Heterotheca villosa), Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis), or Winecups (Callirhoe involucrata).

Cultivation Details: Purple Coneflower blooms in summer, during July and August. The flowers attract many beneficial insects, including Mantises, Mantid Flies, Parasitoid Wasps, Butterflies, Moths, and Beetles, as well as Hummingbirds. Protect this plant from herbivores in areas where Deer, Rabbits, and Woodchucks are common. The foliage may also require protection from Slugs, especially in the early stages of growth. Once established, the plant is fairly drought-tolerant. Attractive in floral arrangements as a cut flower. Also suitable for harvest in fall for use in dry flower arrangements. Well-known as a medicinal herb, the roots and seeds are reputed to be the most effective portions of the plant. E. purpurea is the species most often used in commercially available herbal supplements. Echinacea is commonly utilized in folk medicine, modern herbalism, and Indigenous healing practices. A vast array of studies have been conducted on the medicinal uses of Echinacea, most of which confirm the efficacy of Traditional uses.

Growing Requirements: Plant in full sun. The plant does not tolerate much shade. Prefers well-drained soils. Tolerant of most soil types.

Fun Facts: The name “Echinacea” derives from Greek, meaning “spiny one,” in reference to the dried flower heads. Interestingly, this term is also used to describe the Echinoderm animal group, which includes Sea Urchins and Starfish. What’s more, the family Purple Coneflower belongs to, Asteraceae, takes its name from Asters, meaning “stars,” and all members of the Echinoderm group have a star-shaped radially symmetric body plan, as is characteristic of many of the flowers in Asteraceae!