Echinacea purpurea

Purple Coneflower is found naturally in meadows and roadsides throughout the Central U.S. The few western counties of NC where Purple Coneflower is reported to occur consitute the easternmost edge of its natural range at our latitude. However, this plant must be the all-time favorite native wildflower for sunny pollinator gardens and meadows throughout the south. The ray flowers are shades of pink and droop around a protruding spiny dome of coppery-orange disc flowers. Blooms up to four inches across are borne on the tips of strong stems two to four feet tall, which make these wonderful cut flowers. Purple Coneflower provides bold color from May to September, attracting myriads of butterflies and hummingbirds. Although it will seed out, it is not difficult to control. Purple Coneflower is resistant to drought, is low maintenance, and if left in the garden in the fall will provide food for Goldfinches and many other birds.