WSU Clark County Extension
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Purple Coneflower

Scientific name: Echinacea purpurea
Taxonomy
Family:Asteraceae
Type:Herbaceous perennials
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:3 to 8
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:5 ft
Width:2 ft
Bloom:Summer flowers
Bloom Time:June to July
Bloom Color:Purple
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Gardeners enjoy the mid-summer bloom of purple coneflower with its lavender ray and disk flowers set atop tall stems.

  Morphology:
This herbaceous perennial can grow to a height of up to 5’ and spread to 2’ across. It features brownish-green stems (few branches) derived from a fibrous root structure.

In late June through late July large, daisy-like flowers form on the ends of the stems. Flowers feature drooping rose-purple petals (ray flowers) and coppery-orange, spiny central discs (cone-like shape). Flowers are especially attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

This plant bears dark green leaves which can be 4”-8” in length. They are lance-shaped and coarsely-toothed. They are hairy on both sides.

  Adaptation:
Purple coneflower is easily raised in sunny, well-drained sites. It can survive drought, high summer temperatures and poor soils.

This is an excellent perennial for the border, meadow or wildflower garden.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234