Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Distinguishing Characteristics

Basal leaves on long, partly-winged stalks; leaf margin smooth on early leaves, becoming coarsely toothed on later leaves; leaves broadest at the base and tapering to a pointed tip

Height

To 3 feet

Blooms

May-October

Description

Flower heads are showy and quite large. The orange disk is surrounded by 10 to 20 long petals in various shades of magenta.

Comments

Commonly found in Missouri in open woodlands and savannas. Purple coneflower does well in a variety of soils in full sun to light shade. Commonly used in native forbs seeding mixes and is easy to establish from seed. Often blooms the second year after establishment and is a good food source for wildlife and nectar source for insects.

Seeds (scale is in 1/16 inch increments)	Seedling	Juvenile
Distinguishing Characteristics	Mature