Asteraceae

purple coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

Synonyms

Brauneria purpurea
Helichroa purpurea
Lepachys purpurea
Rudbeckia purpurea

Other Common Names

coneflower, purple rudbeckia

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

3-4 ft. tall
1-2 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds require cold stratification for germination. Plants can be divided in spring.

Plant Planting Notes

Plant 24″ apart. Divide every four years or so to prevent crowding.

Plants/Diseases

Susceptible to aster yellows. Japanese beetles and leaf spot are occasional issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Nectar source for hummingbirds, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves alternate. Elliptical to lanceolate to ovate. Margins dentate to serrate, sometimes entire. Blades 3-6 inches long by 1-3 inches wide. Basal leaves are winged. Stem leaves are reduced in size and narrower with short petioles.

Flowers

Flowers are heads made up of 7-20 purple/lavender ray flowers and brown/copper disc flowers. Approximately 3-6 inches wide.

Fruit

Achene

Bark

The green stems are hairy with purple streaks.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Ethnobotanical Use

Native Americans used purple coneflower to treat many ailments and it is still widely in use today, but can interact with certain pharmaceutical drugs.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Rocky, open woods, thickets, prairies, especially near waterways.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Apparently Secure (G4)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Rare in the SC Piedmont and absent from the Coastal Plain and Mountains

Subspecies

Echinacea purpurea var. purpurea