Jessie Keith
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Echinacea pallida
Plant Common Name
Pale Coneflower
General Description
Pale coneflower is an upright perennial wildflower with daisies that resemble pink or white badminton shuttlecocks. This native of eastern North America is a classic prairie forb that favors open meadowlands. The whole plant is linear and elongated, so it looks best planted among bushier plants and showy ornamental grasses.
The long, loose leaves of this native are green and rough-textured with prominent veins. Flowering occurs in late spring or summer. The interesting daisies have a large central orange or brown cone surrounded by long, draping, pale pink petals. Like most coneflowers, these blooms are frequented by butterflies and bees, and their dry, seed-filled cones are feasted upon by seed-eating birds.
Full sun is required for plants to bloom well and maintain an upright habit. Too much shade will cause plants to topple and flop easily. Average to fertile soil with good drainage will suffice, but pale coneflower can also withstand nutritionally poor soil. This wildflower can be pinched back in spring to encourage a fuller, sturdier habit and more flower buds. It also gently self-sows.
This is an ideal plant for informal borders or wildflower gardens. It handles heat and humidity very well, so plant it in areas where tough plants are needed.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
North America, United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Canada
