Reviewed plant profile
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea · Asteraceae
A prairie perennial valued for summer flowers, insect activity, and seed heads that can remain into fall and winter.
Bloom and fruit
Bloom: Summer
Fruit/seed: Seed heads mature late summer onward
Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun to light shade
Water: Average; drought tolerant after establishment
Zones: Commonly grown in zones 3–8
Native-range check
Central and southeastern United States; widely cultivated beyond native range
Verify local status and invasive restrictions before planting.
Bird relationships
Frequently asked questions
Is Purple Coneflower native where I live?
Its documented native range is Central and southeastern United States; widely cultivated beyond native range. Confirm county-level status with USDA PLANTS or a local native plant authority.
What birds can Purple Coneflower support?
The reviewed relationships on this site include american goldfinch, house finch, mourning dove; actual use varies by region and season.