Echinacea purpurea (Eastern Purple Coneflower, Echinacea, Snakeroot)
Botanical Information
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Echinacea |
| Species | purpurea |
| Category | Perennials, Wildflowers & Weeds |
| Origin | Central to southeastern United States of America. Genus name from the Greek word 'echinos' which means hedgehog or sea-urchin, in reference to the flower's prickly bracts. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Echinacea was highly valued for its medicinal purposes by the Native Americans. It served many purposes including pain relief, anti-inflammatory, toothache relief, cough suppressant, cold medicine, to soothe a sore throat and prevent and treat infections. It was also used as an antidote to snake venom and other poisons. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 3 - 8 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 1a - 8a |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H4 - H7 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -40 - (-7) |
| Temperature (°F) | -40 - 20 |
| Height | 60 - 90 cm |
| Spread | 60 - 90 cm |
| Flowering Period | June, July, August |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Echinacea purpurea or Purple Coneflower is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial with daisy-like, red-purple flowers. |
| Landscape | Plant in large groupings in a naturalized butterfly garden or herbaceous border. The purple flowers are excellent for cutting, drying or left to provide winter interest. Commonly paired with Black-Eyed Susans, creating a nice contrast in colour and form. |
| Propagation | From seed sown outdoors in autumn or in winter in vented containers kept in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Seeds should be stratified if sowing indoors. Propagation also by division of the rootball. |
| Cultivation | Easy to grow in full sun to part shade, in average, well-drained soil. Water regularly but do not overwater. Best flowering in full sun. Tolerant of drought, clay or shallow rocky soils, heat, humidity and deer. Self-seeds freely; deadhead if you do not want seedlings the following season. Divide clumps when overcrowding occurs. |
| Pests | Possible problems include: Japanese beetle and leaf spot. |
| Notable Specimens | The A. M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | Moist prairies and open woodlands. |
| Leaf Description | Mostly basal leaves up to 15 ⨉ 10 cm, dark green, ovate-lanceolate. Leaves on the stem are tapered to the base, denticulate, sometimes entire. |
| Flower Description | Red-purple ray florets 3 - 8 cm in diameter, drooping slightly. Prominent central cone of orange disc florets. Attract birds and butterflies. |
| Fruit Description | Cypsela, a dry fruit formed from a double ovary, of which only one develops into a single seed. |
Photographs
Echinacea purpurea 'Rubinstern'.
Echinacea purpurea 'Pink Parasol'.
Echinacea purpurea 'Dopplemeier'.
Echinacea purpurea 'Pow Wow Wildberry'.
Echinacea purpurea 'Bright Star'.