Echinacea
(sold as Big Sky Yellow)
Family: Compositae
Common name: CONE FLOWER
Plant
Type: perennial
Forms: clumping, erect, rosette
Max height: 3.3 feet
Max width: 2 feet
Flower
yellow
Leaf
green
Horticulture
Attracts wildlife: specific butterfly species
Exposure: sun
Landscape use: container
Propagates by: seed
flowers in fall
flowers in summer
Soil type: wide range
USDA Zones: 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
Temp. range: -30 to +30 °F
Water: moderate, regular
Butterflies that feed on this plant
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 Big Sky Yellow grows to 3 1/2 feet high and 2 feet wide, producing large pale yellow blossoms. It can be grown in containers - preferably 18" or larger. It flowers in summer and fall.
Many butterflies and bees will come to Compositae and other Echinacea. But we have not found evidence that they come to this cultivar to feed.
