Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Echinacea
Plant Common Name
Coneflower
General Description
Almost every species of Echinacea is ornamental and available in the trade for garden use. All are hardy herbaceous perennials and easy to grow. There are nine species, all North American endemics, and in recent years a bevy of wonderful cultivars have been brought to the fore. All are distributed east of the Rocky Mountains, and the endangered species Echinacea tennesseensis only exists in a three county radius in central Tennessee.
Coneflowers are best known for their large, colorful daisies with bristled conical centers. They are summer blooming butterfly magnets. Their petal/ray flowers are usually pink, purple-pink or white, though the oddball species Echinacea paradoxa has golden yellow ray petals. All will flower for a bit longer if their spent heads are removed, though its nice to allow the seed-filled cones to mature as they provide excellent food for goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.
Most coneflowers naturally inhabit established prairies, meadowlands and American savannas. They require full to partial sun and prefer average to fertile soil with even moisture and ample drainage. Most self-sow readily, but for many this is an advantage. They are ideal plants for sunny summer flower borders, butterfly gardens, or wildflower plantings. Their flowers are good for cutting and look pretty in arrangements with other carefree cutflowers like apricot-colored zinnias, cosmos and Queen Anne’s lace.
The dried and powdered root of Echinacea angustifolia is the main source for medicinal Echinacea, though it is not advisable to grow it for personal medicinal purposes.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple, Gold, Pink
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Dried Flower / Everlasting, Bedding Plant, Cutflower, Mixed Border, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
