Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

Coneflower is a perennial herb that has distinctive reddish-purple flowers with a cone-shaped center. Coneflower stems, which are rough with small hairs, grow 1 to 3 feet tall.

Where does coneflower grow?

Coneflowers grow throughout the eastern and central U.S. as far north as New York. They prefer open and upland areas with full sun.

How does coneflower reproduce?

Coneflower seeds, which are dark and have four sides, are produced much like a sunflower.

Other facts about coneflower:

• Echinacea, drawn from the coneflower plant, is a very popular herbal remedy. Studies have shown that the substances in coneflowers are an immune system booster, helping to fend off bacterial and viral infections.
• Coneflowers are a great addition to gardens because songbirds, butterflies and beneficial insects are drawn to its blooming flowers.
• Coneflower’s scientific name comes from the Greek word “echinos” meaning hedge hog, referring to the flower’s spiky cone center.