Echinacea purpurea

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)Aster Family Most pollinator gardens have an Echinacea or 5. These are classic garden plants for a good reason–they attract pollinators of all kinds, and when the flowers are done at long last, the goldfinches move in. They can grow in most garden conditions other than standing water–more shade just means less flowers. Shade grown plants get much taller and look quite nice swaying among grasses and goldenrods. Large, prickly seed heads look nice through the winter and will let you know where your plant is, as the foliage dies all the way back each year. Echinacea is an important medicinal plant and has many recognized uses.  Blooms: Pink, 6-8 weeks, May-JulyLeaves: Dark green, roughly textured,  6” long, coarsely toothed, ovate, simpleHeight: 3-4’  Space: 2’Soil: Average-Dry-MoistExposure: Full-Part Sun-Part ShadeFauna: High pollinator value, host plant for butterflies, seeds for birdsSeeds: Dark, prickly seed head, filled tightly with numerous nu