Echinacea

Echinacea

Botanical name: Echinacea purpurea

Bloom type: Perennial

Purple coneflower is an herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae (daisy) family that is native to the central and eastern United States. The Genus name is Greek for meaning 'spiny one' and the species name means reddish-purple. 

It may grow 3 to 4 feet tall and produce pinkish-purple flowers that mature in early summer through mid-fall. This plant prefers well-drained, moist loam but is adaptable to various soil types. It is drought tolerant once established and can grow in full sun to partial shade. It is also deer, heat, humidity, and salt resistant. Easily propagated by seed, it will reseed itself in the garden.

The attractive ray petals surround a center of dark purplish brown disc flowers in summer and are long-lasting.

This is a popular and long-blooming plant for use as a border or in groupings in a native or pollinator garden, meadow, and naturalized areas. Many cultivars are available for varied sizes and colors. Several pollinators are attracted to the flower, especially butterflies. Leave some of the flower heads on to produce seeds for the birds.

Quick ID Hints:

• Erect herb has terminal, brown-domed heads
• Ray flowers grow in 1 to 2 rows, often purplish, spreading-drooping
• Leaves are rough to touch

 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Japanese beetles and leaf spot are occasional problems. It is susceptible to aster yellows disease (see photo of disease symptoms). Some cultivars have shown excellent resistance to phytophthora.

Echinacea is used to boost the immune system, fight infections, and to shorten the duration of the common cold and flu, and reduce symptoms, such as sore throat, cough, and fever.