Coneflower
By James St. John - Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflowers) 3, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83884230
Scientific Name
Echinacea spp.
Common Names
Coneflower, Purple Coneflower
Plant Type
Perennial herbaceous plant
Lighting Requirements
Full sun to partial shade
Height
1-3 feet
Width
1-2 feet
Seasonal Interest
Vibrant flowers in summer; seed heads in fall
Drought Tolerance
High; very drought-tolerant
Deer Resistance
Considered deer resistant
Attracts
Pollinators like bees and butterflies
Hardiness Zones
3-9
Soil Requirements
Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH Range
6.0 - 7.0
Native To
North America (mainly the Great Plains)
Fun Facts
Echinacea is often used in herbal medicine; it’s known for its immune-boosting properties.
Technically deer-resistant, but this is another case of the deer not reading the same books we do. They will browse Echinacea during droughts and when the babies are learning. They bloom their heads off in the spring, making you smile every time you pass. When the blooms dry, they provide food for native songbirds. I've tried some of the newer varieties with yellow or orange blooms, but have not been successful. I'll stick with the original for now.