Echinacea purpurea
Family: Asteraceae
Common name: CONE FLOWER
Native to: Eastern United States
Sentiment: strength and health
Plant
Type: perennial
Forms: clumping, erect, spreading
Leaves evergreen
Max height: 3.3 feet
Max width: 2 feet
Flower
pink
Leaf
green
Horticulture
Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, bee, bird, specific butterfly species
Plant part consumed by birds: seeds
Plant features: evergreen
Exposure: sun
Landscape uses: cut flower, dried flower
Propagates by: seed
flowers in fall
flowers in summer
Soil type: wide range
USDA Zones: zone 3 -40 f, zone 4 -30 f, zone 5 to -20 f, zone 6 to -10 f, zone 7 to 0 f, zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f, zone 10 to +30 f
Temp. range: -40 to +40 °F
Water: moderate, regular
Butterflies that feed on this plant
profile
flower
Echinacea, or CONE FLOWER, is a member of the Compositae (Aster) family comprised of 11 species. Three species – Echinacea angustifolia, purpurea, and tennesseensis – are cultivated as are numerous cultivars. They grow to 3-4 feet tall, flower in summer, and grow from seed in Zones 3-10. Most grow in dry conditions and prefer to be grown in full sun.
Echinacea purpurea grows to 3 1/2 feet high and 2 feet wide. The large pink blossoms are an attractive roost for butterflies. It can be grown in containers - preferably 18" or larger. It is native to the Eastern United States.
Many butterflies will come to Compositae, including those listed here on the left. Echinacea are particularly attractive to Danaus plexippus, Monarch. Bees like this plant too.
