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Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)

Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) emerging in April
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) showing involucral bracts
Bombus bimaculatus (two-spotted bumble bee) and Atalopedes campestris (sachem skipper) on Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) in July
Papilio glaucus (eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly) on Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) in July
Echinacea planted en masse to attract pollinators in Bon Air Park’s Sunny Garden in Arlington
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) leaves
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) hirsute stem
Spinus tristis (American goldfinch) on Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
Coroniform pappi with denticulate margins of Echinacea purpurea

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Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic Purple Coneflower has a rich history of medicinal use that has resulted in its over harvesting and decline in its natural habitat, centered in Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas. The few established populations in the Mid-Atlantic Region1 appear to be escapes from cultivation, where it is commonly grown in residential and public gardens and visited by many beneficial insects and goldfinches. Perennial En Masse,2 with Visitors,3 in Late Winter Height: 2–4 feet Spread: 11⁄2–2 feet Bloom Color: Mauve, lavender Characteristics Tallish perennial with alternate, lanceolate to ovate, ciliate-margined leaves; toothed basal leaves w/ alate petioles; nearly entire stem leaves reduced in size Single composite flowers atop hirsute stems4 with deep orange disks & mauve rays that droop with age; bloom one month early summer, may rebloom early fall Brown/black disks of crowned pappi w/ cypselae Attributes Tolerates poor soil, heat, humidity; intolerant of water logging; susceptible to leaf spot (when watering do not get moisture on leaves/stems); deer seldom to occasionally severely damage Blooms last well as cut flowers Winter interest if not deadheaded & cones remain Ethnobotanic, therapeutic, and herbal uses Attracts beneficial insects and goldfinches Growing and Maintenance Tips Excellent Replacement for Soil Requirements: Slightly acid, well-drained Aster species (including Michaelmas Daisy) Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Lythrum salicaria - Purple Loosestrife Water Requirements: Dry, Moist Melilotus officinalis - Sweetclover Prefers full sun but will wilt if soil is too dry 1.It is not native to NoVA, but has been introduced to Loudoun County. 2. In the background are grasses of Panicum virgatum. 3. Echinacea attracts pollinators like bees, wasps, syrphid flies, skippers, and butterflies (eastern tiger swallowtail pictured). 4.Learn more about Garden Cleanup for Pollinators: Trim Perennial Stems in Their First Winter. 5. Seeds might be controlled naturally by American goldfinches (a male perched on a flower above).They so relish the seeds that they can eat a crop in a few days. Deadhead to control seeds5–won’t affect rebloom Divide clumps when crowded, every four years Use in borders; butterfly, cutting, or meadow gardens Hardiness: USDA Zones 3a–8b developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Elaine Mills (top), landscaping at Adventist HealthCare, Rockville, MD and by Mary Free, Glencarlyn Garden and (goldfinch) private garden, Arlington, VA

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)

Purple Coneflower has a rich history of medicinal use that has resulted in its over harvesting and decline in its natural habitat, centered in Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas. The few established populations in the Mid-Atlantic Region* appear to be escapes from cultivation, where it is commonly grown in residential and public gardens and visited by many beneficial insects and goldfinches.

*It is not native to NoVA, but has been introduced to Loudoun County. You can view the VA counties in which it has been reported here.

Video © Mary Free

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets