Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Size
Height - 3 feet
Width - 1.5 feet
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Plant Type
Native perennial
Other common names
Echinacea,
Eastern Purple Coneflower
BLOOMING
MONTHS
Close up view
Full plant view
Save Water Low to medium water required
More Color Large pinkish purple flowers from spring until fall
Attract Wildlife Bees and butterflies love the flowers
Reduce Maintenance Shear back in early spring to encourage blooms
Texas Tough Drought tolerant and blooms almost year round
Interesting Facts
Different colors of coneflower can sometimes be found at the nursery, but the purple coneflower is the only native variation. The purple coneflower is best, compared to other colors, for attracting honey bees, bumble bees and butterflies. If flowers are left standing during the winter, the seeds are a food source for birds. Shearing back in early spring encourages healthier, bushier growth. Regular dead-heading helps create lots of blooms year round, but it is optional. If the flowers are brewed to form a tea, it is considered a mild antibiotic. The medicinal properties of this plant were said to be disovered by Native Americans who noticed elk seeking the plant out and consuming it when sick or wounded.