Linda's Garden

Perennials

Purple Coneflower

General Description

Common Name: Purple Coneflower
Latin Name: Echinacea Purpurea
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Summary: A perennial, usually 2 to 3 feet tall, of dry prairies. Flower heads have purple rays and a raised, spiny center. The slender stem and 3-nerved leaves are covered with coarse hairs. Echinacea has tall stems, bears single flowers that are pink or purple, and has a central cone that is usually purplish-brown in color. The large cone is actually a seed head with sharp spines that resemble a stiff comb. Of nine echinacea species, only three are used for medicinal purposes.