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Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea, of the Aster family, also known as purple coneflower, has reddish purple blooms and is a herbaceous perennial native to North America.

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Updated:

August 7, 2025

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Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

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Echinacea purpurea, family Asteraceae Bercht. & J. Preslare, is within a genera that include Rudbeckia and Ratibida, commonly referred to as coneflowers. They are identified by their drooping daisy-like structure with outstretched petals with a dome-shaped medium to dark brown central floret. Their leaves are ovate in shape, have a rough texture and serrated margins, becoming smaller and more narrow towards the top of the hairy stem. The word Echinacea comes from the word Echinos, Greek for hedgehog. This is likely due to its central spiny floret. Echinacea does well in Zones 3–9, and blooms late-June to early-September. This plant grows 24–36 inches in height.

Growing Conditions

Easy to grow, Coneflowers prefer evenly moist, well-drained soil but can be drought-tolerant once established and do well in full sun or partial shade. Coneflower is not deer-resistant and tolerates rocky or clay soils. This plant self-seeds; however, the seeds require cold stratification to germinate.

Ecological Value: Wildlife, Insects, Etc.

A host source for nectar for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators such as the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, it is an important source of seeds for songbirds, particularly American Goldfinch.

Landscaping

Echinacea can provide masses in a landscape bed and should be spaced properly for airflow.

Ethnobotany

Native American tribes used the roots and stems to fight illness and boost immunity.

Pests and Diseases

Echinacea are subject to stem rot, powdery mildew, and anthracnose, as well as damage from aphids, Japanese beetles, and mites, which may be prevented by proper plant spacing, well-drained soils, and proper sanitation by removing dead leaves. Plants impacted by disease and mites should be cut back to the ground in the fall, and plant debris removed and destroyed.

Varieties

There are several cultivars of E. purpurea that have distinct flower form or color. Powwow wildberry is commonly found in the Midwest. Stems are usually under two feet, and multiple flowers on one stem may spread one and a half feet. The “Powwow” color is more intense than the E. purpurea.