Denville NJ
2009

Echinacea is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family. It has ten species, which are commonly called coneflowers. They are found only in eastern and central North America, where they grow in moist to dry prairies and open wooded areas.

Coneflowers, aka echinacea, are tough perennials in the daisy family (Asteraceae) native to the United States that bloom in midsummer. Deer-resistant, coneflowers are beloved by butterflies, bees, and songbirds.

Coneflowers are one of the great American wildflowers, native to the eastern and central United States, extending from Colorado south to Texas and north to the Great Lakes! They bloom from midsummer all the way through fall frost.

The name “coneflower” comes from the flower’s raised cone-like center which attract butterflies and bees. Leave the seed heads after bloom and you’ll also attract songbirds such as goldfinches!

Of course, this plant is good for us humans, too, with many medicinal properties; today, it’s especially popular as an herbal tea to strengthen the immune system.

The purple coneflower (E. purpurea) is most common and readily available. As indicated by its name, this purple coneflower has long light purple rays that droop down its center cone. But also up to nine naturally occuring echinacea can be found in purple shades or yellow (E. paradoxa).

Coneflowers are striking when planted in masses, especially as a mix of various colors. They are trouble-free once established in a traditional garden or wildflower meadow.