Coneflower Echinacea S10-310s
ABOUT
The plant referred to as Echinacea S10-310s is commonly known as coneflower. This plant showcases distinctive daisy-like flowers with raised, cone-shaped centers that are usually surrounded by colorful petals. The petals can range in color from pink to purple and sometimes white, extending outwards from the cone in a way that can resemble a shuttlecock. The central cone is typically brown or orange, with small, spiky projections where seeds develop. The leaves of the coneflower are typically dark green, with a rough texture, and have toothed edges. They grow out from the stems, which are sturdy and upright. Its overall appearance is characteristic of a hardy, flowering perennial that adds both visual interest and a touch of wildflower charm to gardens and naturalized areas.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Purple Coneflower, Eastern Purple Coneflower.
Common names
Echinacea S10-310s.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is generally recognized as safe for human consumption. Traditional use of Echinacea as an herbal remedy for various conditions suggests that it typically does not pose a significant risk when used appropriately. However, Echinacea can cause adverse reactions in some individuals, especially those with allergies to other plants in the daisy family. Ingesting Echinacea may lead to symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, dizziness, headache, and allergic reactions ranging from mild skin rashes to more severe cases of anaphylaxis. It is important to consult healthcare professionals before using Echinacea, particularly for those with autoimmune diseases or those taking immunosuppressive medication, as it may interact with immune system function.
To pets
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is not considered highly toxic to pets. However, pets vary in their sensitivity to different plants, and ingestion of Echinacea could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea. It is always advisable to monitor your pet's reactions to new plants in their environment and consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet is experiencing symptoms of toxicity after consuming any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, which are crucial for pollination.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Echinacea is quite resilient and can withstand periods of drought, which is beneficial in regions with water scarcity.
- Low Maintenance: Echinacea requires minimal care, as it can thrive in poor soil and does not need frequent watering or fertilization.
- Adds Visual Interest: With its vibrant flowers, Echinacea adds color and aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Supports Biodiversity: By providing habitat and food for insects, Echinacea contributes to a diverse and healthy ecosystem.
- Long Blooming Season: Echinacea has a lengthy blooming period from early summer to fall, offering sustained beauty in the garden.
- Resilient to Pests: Echinacea plants are notably resilient to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea (commonly known as Coneflower) is often used to help boost the immune system and ward off infections, particularly the common cold and other upper respiratory infections.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: It may help reduce inflammation and may be used in conditions where inflammation is part of the problem, such as in cases of sore throat and other inflammatory ailments.
- Antioxidant effects: Echinacea contains compounds that have antioxidant properties, which could help protect cells from oxidative stress and damage.
- Wound healing: Traditionally, Echinacea has been used for wound healing due to its potential antimicrobial properties and promotion of skin regeneration.
- Antiviral activity: Some research suggests that Echinacea may have antiviral properties against certain viruses.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden border enhancement: Echinacea, also known as coneflower, can be used to create vibrant and attractive borders in gardens due to its bright flowers that add a pop of color.
- Natural dye: The petals of the coneflower can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or art projects, offering shades of pink, purple, and green depending on the mordant used.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried coneflower blooms can be used in floral arrangements to provide a rustic and natural look to bouquets and centerpieces.
- Bee and butterfly garden: Planting echinacea can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, enhancing pollination in your garden and supporting local ecosystems.
- Education: Coneflower can serve as an educational tool for teaching about native plant species and their roles in local habitats.
- Art and crafts: The distinctive, spiky seed heads of echinacea can be used in dried floral crafts or as a natural addition to wreaths and other decor items.
- Photography: The striking appearance of coneflower makes it an excellent subject for nature and garden photography, ideal for practicing macro photography techniques.
- Culinary decoration: While avoiding medicinal claims, the vibrant coneflower petals can be used to add a colorful garnish to salads and desserts after ensuring they are pesticide-free.
- Seed sharing: Gardeners can collect and share echinacea seeds to promote the growth of native plants and enhance biodiversity in various gardens.
- Companion planting: Echinacea can be used as a companion plant to support the growth of vegetables by attracting beneficial insects that prey on garden pests.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe coneflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe coneflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Echinacea, commonly known as Coneflower, is renowned for its medicinal properties, especially for boosting the immune system and fighting off infections.
- Strength and Resilience: As a plant that thrives in challenging conditions and stands tall, Coneflower symbolizes inner strength, fortitude, and the ability to withstand adversity.
- Purity: The distinct shape and bright colors of the Coneflower are often associated with purity and cleanliness by virtue of their clear lines and vibrant presence in a garden.
WaterThe common name for Echinacea S10-310s is Coneflower. Watering should be thorough, allowing the soil to become moist but not soggy. During the growing season, coneflowers typically require 1 inch of water per week, whether through rainfall or manual watering. Less frequent, deep watering is preferable to frequent, shallow watering as it promotes deeper root growth. When the plant is established, it is quite drought-tolerant, but in the first growing season, it's important to consistently keep the soil moist. Adjust watering during particularly hot or dry periods by ensuring the equivalent of an extra half gallon per square foot every week.
LightConeflower thrives in full sunlight, meaning it needs a minimum of six hours of direct sun per day. The ideal spot for a coneflower would be in an area where it receives unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. However, it can tolerate some partial shade, especially in the afternoon in hotter climates, but full sun is where it will produce the most prolific blooms.
TemperatureConeflowers are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, flourishing in anywhere from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive lower temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit and higher temperatures as long as they are well-watered. The ideal conditions for growing coneflowers are in areas with warm days and cooler nights, which typically fall within the aforementioned temperature range.
PruningPruning coneflowers is essential for promoting vigorous growth and ensuring prolific blooms. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage more flowers and to prevent excessive self-seeding. In early spring or late winter, cut back the entire plant to about 4 inches to ensure healthy new growth for the season. Pruning can also be done after the first freeze if you prefer to leave seed heads for birds during the fall and winter months.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Echinacea, also known as Coneflower, should be well-draining with a composition of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite. The soil pH should ideally range from 6.0 to 8.0 to support healthy growth.
RepottingConeflowers (Echinacea) typically do not require frequent repotting as they are relatively tolerant of being root-bound. They can be repotted every 3-4 years or when they outgrow their current container.
Humidity & MistingConeflowers (Echinacea) are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions. They thrive in natural outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area; water deeply but infrequently.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, water when dry.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe plant Echinacea S10-310s, commonly known as Purple Coneflower, begins its life cycle as a dormant seed which requires stratification, a process of cold treatment, to break dormancy and germinate. Upon sprouting in spring, the seedling emerges with its first set of true leaves and develops a deep taproot crucial for survival in drought-prone environments. During its vegetative stage, the Echinacea plant grows rapidly and produces a rosette of rough, hairy leaves. Following the vegetative stage, the plant enters the flowering phase usually in the late spring or early summer of the second or third year, producing characteristic purple-pink flowers with a central cone. These flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the plant's reproductive process. After pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the cycle and potentially giving rise to new plants the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, can be propagated by several methods, but the most popular method is by seed. For Echinacea S10-310s, the best time to sow seeds is in the fall, which allows a chilling period that breaks seed dormancy and enhances germination. However, if spring sowing is preferred, stratification – a process of simulating winter conditions – can be performed by mixing the seeds with moist sand and refrigerating for about 8-10 weeks at 34-40 degrees Fahrenheit (1-4 degrees Celsius). After stratification, seeds should be sown in a light seed-starting mix, barely covered with soil, as they require light for germination. They should be kept moist and in a warm, bright spot until germination, which usually takes 10-20 days. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
