Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple Coneflower
Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea Moench
Synonym: Rudbeckia purpurea
Family: Asteraceae

Show Larger Picture Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: All zones
USDA: 4-10

Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: North America
Growth Habits: Herbaceous perennial, up to 3 feet tall (90 cm) or more, hairy stems; leaves 3 to 8 inches long (8-20 cm)
Watering Needs: Regular water
Propagation: Clump division in spring or fall

The Purple Coneflower is a good perennial, long lasting, and non invasive. There are a number of selected cultivars.
Echinacea is now a top-selling herbal medicine. Although it seems to have beneficial effects on a number of conditions, it is most used to reduce the number and severity of colds.

Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 3: 475. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society.

Blooming Habits:
Purple flowers, up to 4 inches in diameter (10 cm), in May to October.

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