Coneflower

Description

Coneflower (Echinacea) is a hardy, herbaceous perennial native to North America, well-loved for its vibrant, daisy-like flowers and ecological benefits.

🌼 Coneflower – Overview

• Common Name: Coneflower

• Botanical Name: Echinacea spp.

• Plant Type: Perennial

• Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)

🌿 Description

• Height: 2 to 5 feet (60–150 cm)

• Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet

• Flowers:

  • Large, showy blooms with a prominent, spiny central cone.

  • Petals (ray florets) can be purple, pink, white, yellow, orange, or red.

  • Cone (disc florets) is typically orange-brown and dome-shaped.

  • Bloom from midsummer to early fall.

• Leaves: Lance-shaped, dark green, coarse, and arranged alternately.

🌞 Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Full sun (minimum 6 hours/day)

• Soil: Well-draining, adaptable to dry or poor soils

• Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established

• Hardiness Zones: USDA 3–9

🐝 Benefits & Uses

• Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects

• Wildlife: Birds (especially goldfinches) feed on seed heads

• Garden Uses: Great for borders, native plantings, wildflower gardens, and pollinator habitats

• Medicinal: Traditionally used for immune support (especially Echinacea purpurea)

✂️ Care Tips

• Deadhead to encourage continuous blooming (optional if you want seed for wildlife).

• Divide every few years if the clump becomes overcrowded.

• Leave seed heads over winter for visual interest and bird food.