Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
ABOUT
Echinacea purpurea, more commonly known as the purple coneflower, is a prominent perennial boasting a distinct appearance. The plant is characterized by its large, daisy-like flowers with a cone-shaped center that is typically orange to dark brown, and surrounded by a ring of vibrant, purplish-pink petals that are sometimes slightly drooping. The central cone is spiky, adding texture to the flower, and it is where the seeds form. These are attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The leaves of the purple coneflower are dark green and have a coarse texture with a rough, hairy surface. They are broadly lanceolate, meaning they are shaped like a lance head with a wider base tapering to a point, and are arranged alternately along the stem. The plant typically blooms from early summer to late summer and can continue into the fall season, offering a long period of visual interest. The purple coneflower is not only known for its beauty but also for its herbal properties, and it is widely cultivated in gardens and used in herbal remedies.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Purple Coneflower, Eastern Purple Coneflower, Purple Echinacea, Hedgehog Coneflower
Common names
Brauneria purpurea, Echinacea serotina, Rudbeckia purpurea.
ToxicityTo humans
Echinacea, also known as purple coneflower, is generally considered safe for human consumption. It is commonly used in herbal remedies, particularly for immune system support. However, some individuals may experience adverse reactions, particularly if they have allergies to plants in the daisy family. While not inherently toxic, excessive consumption of Echinacea could potentially lead to side effects such as stomach pain, nausea, or dizziness. Those with autoimmune conditions, or those taking immunosuppressive medication, should exercise caution due to the plant’s immunostimulant effects. It's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before adding Echinacea to your health regimen.
To pets
Purple coneflower is not typically toxic to pets. It is often considered safe when pets, like dogs and cats, come into contact with it or even ingest small amounts. However, caution should be advised as individual animals might have different sensitivities, and consuming large quantities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset. It’s generally recommended to keep an eye on your pet and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms following ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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 purpurea is known for attracting bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in gardens.
- Drought resistance - Once established, it is highly tolerant to drought, making it an ideal plant for low-water-use gardens.
- Easy to grow - It is a hardy plant that can thrive in a range of soil conditions and requires minimal maintenance.
- Aesthetic appeal - With its vibrant purple petals and prominent cone, it adds color and visual interest to landscaping.
- Long blooming period - Echinacea purpurea flowers from early summer until fall, providing extended garden beauty.
- Supports biodiversity - Its seeds in the cone provide food for birds, particularly finches, in the fall and winter.
Medical Properties- Immune System Support: Echinacea purpurea is known for its potential to boost immune function.
- Antioxidant Properties: Contains compounds like phenols, which have antioxidant effects.
- Anti-inflammatory: It may reduce inflammation, potentially benefiting those with inflammatory conditions.
- Antiviral Activity: Shows the potential to fight viruses, including common cold and flu symptoms.
- Wound Healing: Topically applied, it's believed to aid in wound healing due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Anti-cancer Potential: Contains compounds that may have anti-cancer properties, though this is still under research.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Echinacea purpurea can be used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects such as pollinators and predatory bugs to vegetable and flower gardens, enhancing the overall health and productivity of the garden ecosystem.
- The vibrant flowers of Echinacea purpurea make it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements, bringing a touch of natural beauty and color to indoor environments.
- The plant's fibrous stems and strong roots can be used in erosion control to stabilize soil and prevent erosion in environmentally sensitive areas.
- Echinacea purpurea can be utilized as a natural dye for textiles, providing a range of colors from greens to browns depending on the mordant used.
- In backyard ponds or water gardens, Echinacea purpurea provides tall vertical accents and can create hiding places for aquatic life while adding aesthetic value.
- Echinacea purpurea's seed heads can be left on the plants during winter to provide food for birds, such as goldfinches, which rely on the seeds as a food source.
- The rough leaves and strong scent of Echinacea purpurea can act as a natural deer repellent, helping to protect more sensitive plants in a garden.
- The dried seed heads of Echinacea purpurea are used in crafting decorative wreaths and arrangements, popular especially during the fall season.
- The roots of Echinacea purpurea can be used in the preparation of natural, non-toxic insect repellents when mixed with other plant extracts.
- As an ornamental plant, Echinacea purpurea can also play a role in educational gardens, where it serves as a teaching tool for topics like plant biology, conservation, and horticulture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiPurple coneflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityPurple coneflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Medicine: Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as Purple Coneflower, is renowned for its medicinal properties, especially in boosting the immune system and fighting colds, symbolizing health and well-being.
- Strength and Resilience: The plant's ability to withstand harsh conditions and return after harsh winters represents strength, endurance, and resilience in adversity.
- Integrity and Authenticity: With its prominent, cone-shaped center and bold color, the Purple Coneflower symbolizes standing firm in one's beliefs and being true to oneself.
- Prosperity and Abundance: The flower's abundant bloom and prolific seed production are often seen as symbols of prosperity, growth, and abundance.
WaterEchinacea, commonly known as coneflower, should be watered deeply, allowing the water to reach the roots, but it should not be watered too frequently to avoid waterlogged soil. During active growth in spring and summer, watering once a week with approximately one gallon per plant is usually sufficient. In the absence of rainfall, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce the frequency of watering as the plant goes dormant in the fall, and during winter, watering might only be necessary during prolonged dry spells. Always avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.
LightEchinacea thrives best in full sun conditions, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting coneflower is an area that gets unobstructed sunlight and offers some protection from harsh afternoon sun in extremely hot climates. While they can tolerate some light shade, too little sunlight can lead to weak growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureConeflower prefers a temperate climate and can generally withstand a temperature range from -30°F during dormancy to an upper limit of 85°F during its growing season. Ideally, coneflower thrives best with daytime temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. However, it's a hardy plant that adapts well to a variety of climate conditions and can survive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9.
PruningPruning coneflowers helps to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to direct the plant's energy into producing more blooms and to maintain a tidy appearance. Prune back the plant in late winter or early spring, cutting back the stalks to about 3 inches from the ground to accommodate new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower (Echinacea purpurea) thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. A good soil mix for this plant could be three parts garden soil, two parts compost, and one part coarse sand to ensure proper drainage. Adding organic matter will enrich the soil and promote healthy growth.
RepottingConeflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are perennial plants and typically do not require frequent repotting. They should be repotted or divided every 3-4 years to maintain their vigor and to prevent overcrowding in the garden.
Humidity & MistingConeflower (Echinacea purpurea) is quite adaptable to most humidity conditions and does not require a specific humidity level. It is tolerant of dry to moderate humidity levels found in natural outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use well-draining soil, sunny spot, and moderate water for Coneflowers.
Outdoor
Plant Coneflowers in sun, with well-draining soil; water moderately.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as purple coneflower, begins with seed germination, typically in the spring when soil temperatures reach about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Following germination, the plant enters the vegetative stage, where it develops a rosette of lance-shaped leaves during the first year, investing energy in establishing a strong root system. In the second year, Echinacea purpurea progresses to the flowering stage, producing tall stems topped with prominent, daisy-like purple flowers that attract pollinators and are used for seed dispersal. After pollination, the plant develops seeds within spiny cone-like centers of the flowers, which mature by late summer or early autumn. Once seeds mature and disperse, the plant enters a dormancy period during the colder months, surviving as a perennial through its hardy root structure. Finally, with the return of favorable conditions, Echinacea purpurea re-emerges from dormancy to complete another cycle of growth and reproduction.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method of propagating Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is by seed. Seed propagation can be initiated in late winter indoors by sowing seeds in a tray filled with a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be lightly covered with about an eighth of an inch (approximately 3 millimeters) of soil, and the soil kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes about 10-20 days at a temperature of 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have developed a couple of sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. It's important to space the plants about 1 to 3 feet apart to ensure adequate air circulation and sunlight penetration as they grow.
