Pale Purple Coneflower

Echinacea pallida (eh-kin-NAY-see-ah PAL-li-dah)

Family: Asteraceae Native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

The Pale Purple Coneflower is a herbaceous perennial of the genus Echinacea. They are native to North America, and there are nine known species of Echinacea. Echinos is Greek for "hedgehog" or "sea urchin" which is reflective of the plants spiny center cone. Pallida is Latin and translated means "pale." This is in reference to their petal color which is a pale pink-purple. Echinacea was first used by Native Americans for treatment of insect stings and bites as well as snake bites. Currently, Echinacea is used to prevent colds, flu, and other respiratory tract infections. It has also been proven to boost the immune system and treat urinary tract infections. Echinacea preparations can also be topically applied for wounds or skin problems. The roots and whole plant possess a cortisone-like antibacterial property. The plant grows to about 3 feet (0.91 m) tall and has stout, erect, hairy stem which is green to purple. The tap root is chocolate brown to black in color with very little branching. The leaves are simple, lanceolate, alternate, hairy, and rough on both sides. Most of the leaves are at the lower 1/3 of the stem. The flower blooms early in June to late July and is present for about 3 weeks. There are 12-20 long, slender, pale, drooping pink to purple petal/rays. In the center of the flower is a domed reddish brown center disk of florets with white pollen. In early July to late August small, elongated, tan colored achenes develop in the seed head. Seeds can be harvested in August. Unstratified seeds need to be planted in the fall. Stratified seeds may be planted in the spring. When the seeds are planted they should be barely covered with soil and be in a weed free bed. Every 3-4 years the plants may become overcrowded and clumps of the plant will need to be divided. It is an aggressive plant and needs competing plants such as prairie grass to limit its spread. The Pale Purple Coneflower is a native wildflower to Eastern and Central North America. It may be found from Wisconsin and Michigan then south to Texas and Louisiana. It also is native to Ontario, Canada and has been found scattered in some eastern states between Maine and Georgia. The Pale Purple Coneflower can be found in rocky prairies, open woodlands, hillsides, glades, or roadsides. It prefers well-drained soil (sandy, loamy, or clay), full sun, and pH of 4.5-7.5. Due to its long tap root, it can tolerate prolonged droughts. The USDA hardiness zones are 3 to 10. The Pale Coneflower attracts hummingbirds, bumblebees, honey bees, butterflies, and skippers. The Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly's caterpillars feed on its foliage. The Wavy-Line Emerald Moth and Common Eupithecia feeds on the flower heads. Livestock eat the plant which has a high nutritive content. The Pale Coneflower are showy and serve as a good cut flower or in dried floral arrangements. The plants are preferred for Mass Border, Native Gardens, Naturalized Gardens, Prairie Gardens, Wildflower Gardens, or Woodlands. There are no known toxic effects to birds, cats, dogs, horses, livestock, or humans. The Purple Coneflower and the Pale Purple Coneflower are difficult to tell apart. The Pale Purple Coneflower blooms 2-3 weeks earlier. The leaves are longer and narrower. The leaves are also more hairy, light green, and tend to be at the base of the plant. The flowers themselves are difficult to differentiate, but the pollen is white in the Pale Purple Coneflower rather than yellow. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Plant problems may include Japanese Beetles and leaf spot.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 63 attributes.