Highlights
Coneflowers—also known by their Latin name Echinacea—are cheerful, bright perennial flowers that bloom for a month or more in the summer. All nine species are native to North America. Coneflowers are known for their distinctive drooping petals and large, cone-shaped seed heads. Their blooms become seeds in the fall, turning into natural bird feeders. Coneflowers love full sun, are very easy to grow, and are drought tolerant. An absolute must for any sunny garden.
All nine native coneflower species are pollinator favorites
Dig Deeper
Explore the history, types, and where to plant native coneflowers
Table of Contents
Coneflowers are a perfect native plant to grow because they are so easy to grow and they look stunning quickly. Their blooms are not shy: the neon-pink or bright-yellow petals look electrified in the summer. They are also very forgiving plants and thrive in a range of sun situations. Let’s spend some time getting to know more about coneflowers, including how to plant them and what kinds to add to your garden.
Why is it important to plant native plants like coneflowers?
Planting native plants makes our yards and spaces gorgeous while helping the birds, butterflies, and animals (and helping save us time!) Here are three reasons why planting native is worth it:
- Without native plants, iconic animals like Monarch butterflies and songbirds won’t have the food or homes needed to survive
- Native plants save time and money: after the first year of getting established, native plants are happy with rain
- Native plants are gorgeous! Coneflowers are a perfect example of how beautiful and resilient native plants are—they are always the best choice for our gardens.
About their Latin name Echinacea (and a warning about seed tops!)
Coneflower is a common name for this plant, or a plant name given generations before. However, all coneflowers also have a Latin name, or a singular two-part name to help place them within the plant kingdom. All coneflowers’ Latin names begin with Echinacea.
Every single one of the nine species of Echinacea is native to North America. If you see a plant that has Echinacea in its Latin name—plant away!
The Latin genus name Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos, which translates to hedgehog or sea-urchin.
You’ll know why it’s named for its spines when touching a seed pod—ouch! Don’t forget to wear gardening gloves when handling the surprisingly spikey coneflower tops.
Coneflowers are related to daisies
If they remind you of daisies, that’s because coneflowers are in the daisy family (Coneflowers are members of the Asteraceae or Compositae family—which means they’re in the daisy family.) However, the classic white-with-yellow-center shasta daisy is native to Europe and Asia.
When coneflowers bloom
Coneflowers have a very long bloom time: flowers will be out from mid-summer to early fall. Their bright petals are out for 4-6 weeks. Plant coneflowers in your garden for memorable, bright blooms through the end of summer and early fall. They are the perfect plant for highly visible, sunny spaces.
Coneflowers in the fall and winter
Leave your coneflowers in the garden through the fall and winter and let them become nature’s bird feeders. Leaving our gardens alone throughout the fall and winter helps native flowers turn into seed buffets for birds.
Small birds like bright yellow finches love to sit on top of the seed heads and enjoy a feast. In the late winter and early spring, coneflowers are a welcome food source.
Native coneflowers
There are nine species of coneflowers native to North America; four species are easily found in either seed or plant form. Look for these in your local plant nurseries or garden shares (follow each ‘read more’ link to find seed sources.)
Purple coneflower
Purple Coneflower is native to the Eastern United States and is known for its large electric-pink petals. (It’s also sometimes called ‘Eastern Purple Coneflower.’) Plant as many as you can in your garden, for pollinators and birds alike. They can get tall: up to 4-5 feet! Surround them with shorter plants.
Pale purple coneflower
Pale Purple Coneflower is native to the great plains. Its long, elegant petals look like a ballerina’s tutu, especially when caught in the breeze.
Yellow or Ozark coneflower
Yellow Coneflower (sometimes called Ozark Coneflower) is straight-forwardly named; its shape and drought tolerance are similar to that of its purple and pink cousins. Native to just four states: Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
Prairie coneflower
Prairie Coneflower is not in the Echnicea family, but since it’s common name often includes ‘coneflower,’ we’ll include it here! It is also sometimes referred to as Mexican Hat Coneflower.
Endangered native coneflowers
We’ve all heard of echinacea before, especially when we have a cold and are perusing the vitamin or tea aisle. Everything that says ‘echinacea’ comes from a coneflower plant. Coneflowers have been used for generations, first by Native Americans, for their medicinal benefits.
Sadly, in recent generations, these native plants have been pulled up in enormous numbers. According to plant historian Marjorie Harris, “In 1990 alone, 70,000 pounds of dried [coneflower] root were collected, much of which was shipped abroad. The same year, the U.S. government stopped issuing licenses for this purpose in fear that the herb might be wiped out.”
Combine this with the rise of invasive plants like kudzu overtaking coneflower habitat, and you’ll see why some native coneflower species are in trouble.
Below are some endangered native coneflower species. If you see these endangered plants in the wild, admire but do not touch. If you spot them in a local nursery or plant sale, take good care of them and give away as many seeds as you can.
Smooth coneflower
Smooth Coneflower is a plant to protect: it is endangered in several states. Its dramatic drooping petals frame its cone. Look out for these at plant sales at your local botanic gardens.
Narrow-leaf Coneflower
Narrow-leaf Coneflower is a native that needs respect and help to survive. Its roots are believed to have medicinal effects, so thousands of these plants are pulled up every year. It may be hard to find; leave it undisturbed in the wild.
Coneflower Cultivars
A cultivar is a plant that has been created or curated by humans to look or behave a certain way—here is a quick cultivar overview.
There are so many Coneflower cultivars that have been developed for use in gardens and wildflower meadows. Some of the more popular Coneflower cultivars include:
- Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’: This cultivar has large, white petals and is a popular choice for adding a touch of white to a garden or wildflower meadow.
- Echinacea purpurea ‘Mac ‘n Cheese’: This cultivar’s name says it all: its bright orange-yellow flowers look dipped in cheese powder.
- Echinacea purpurea ‘Green Envy’: This cultivar has green petals surrounding a dark center—very memorable.
- Echinacea purpurea ‘PowWow Wild Berry’: A cultivar with hot pink petals and dark red cone.
- Echinacea purpurea ‘Hot Papaya’: This cultivar has bright orange-red flowers that remind you of flamenco dancers
The problem with coneflower cultivars...
One way to consider the issues around cultivars is to compare a native coneflower with a cultivar coneflower. When you see them side by side, you have to wonder—how can pollinators understand this is the same plant?
Native vs. Cultivar
Plant true native plants whenever possible. Cultivars (short for CULTivated VARieties) are selected and made by humans and do not offer the same benefits to bugs, birds, and animals that native plants do.
Where to plant coneflowers
Coneflowers like full sun and most varieties get tall (up to 4-5 feet) Plant them in sunny areas, with shorter native plants in front (Bee Balm, Nodding Onion, and Butterfly Weed—a type of milkweed—are great pairings).
How to grow coneflowers
Coneflowers are very easy to grow. They are
- Drought resistant: don’t worry about them surviving dry summers; they can handle droughts
- Low maintenance: no fertilizer or special needs are required for coneflowers to thrive
- Longtime bloomers: their bright blooms are open 4-8 weeks from the summer to early fall
- Perennials: they will come back year after year. Once you plant them and they are happily established, you can enjoy them in your yard for years to come.
Bonus: all coneflowers are deer-proof
Deer do NOT eat coneflowers! (The tops are too spikey.) If you’re worried about deer nibbling your garden, coneflowers are a perfect native plant.
Grow coneflowers by seed
It’s easy to plant coneflowers by seed if you are patient: plants started from seed may not flower until the second year.
For less than $5, you can plant a garden full of coneflowers by seed. Seeds are easily found in any local nursery and even at big box stores.
For $0, you can also plant a garden full of coneflowers, if a neighbor gives you a seed head. Make sure you do this in the fall—before the birds eat it all! (Coneflower seed heads are very spikey—remember to wear gloves when handling the seed tops.)
To collect the coneflower seed, put the seed head between two plastic cups and shake vigorously. The seeds will separate from the seedhead easily.
Fall seed planting
To plant by seed in the late fall, scatter seeds and loosely throw mulch or dirt over the seeds. Seedlings will emerge in the spring. (Yes—it’s that easy! Native plants can plant themselves, so it really is that easy to garden native.)
Spring seed planting
Direct sow coneflower seeds in early spring when the soil is warm, 65°F (18°C). Take the seeds individually and plant them into holes 1/8″ deep. Water daily for the first two months to ensure they get enough moisture to grow. Watch the seedlings emerge in the spring, grow greenery that summer, and bloom the summer after.
Grow coneflowers from plants
Coneflower plants will normally flower the first year they are planted and will return in the following years with taller plants and bigger blooms.
Grow coneflowers by dividing established plants
Coneflowers can be propagated through seed, bought at a nursery, or found by dividing established plants in the spring or fall. Oftentimes, you’ll see people in your community posting free garden giveaways on Facebook—like coneflower!—in the spring and fall.
To divide a plant, dig up the entire clump and separate it into smaller sections, each with its own roots and shoots. Replant the divided sections and water thoroughly.
Coneflowers are an easy-to-find native plant
Coneflowers are also one of the few easy-to-find native plants at larger garden centers. Although buying from local nurseries is the best way to get tips and buy healthy plants, sometimes we find ourselves at Home Depot or Lowes looking for garden gems. Most big-box stores carry coneflowers in the spring and summer.
Besides big box retailers, there are four reliable ways to find coneflower plants for your yard:
Where can I find seeds and plants?
Finding native plants can be challenging (we partly blame Marie Antoinette.) To make it easier, we’ve assembled four sourcing ideas.
Native Plant Nurseries
Our list of native nurseries makes finding one a breeze
Online Native Plant Sellers
We've included 100+ online resources to help
Society Plant Sales
Every state has a native plant society; find yours
Online Communities
Local Facebook groups are a great plant source
What to plant with coneflowers
Coneflowers look great alongside other plants that flower at different times, so pollinators always have something to eat.
Native flowers for the spring
other native flowers for the summer
Native flowers for the fall
Coneflowers are a beautiful and drought-resistant addition to any Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Northeast, or Southern garden. With their range of colors and easy maintenance, they thrive in a variety of environments. For $5 or less, you can plant a coneflower garden in no time. Easy-to-find coneflowers include Purple Coneflower, Pale Purple Coneflower, and Yellow Coneflower. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, add coneflowers to your landscape and watch wildlife chow down year-round. Happy planting!
Next steps and resources:
There are lots of well-known plants that have native options available. Explore our beginner guides to native favorites:
Sources
- Harris, Marjorie. Botanica North America: The Illustrated Guide to Our Native Plants, Their Botany, History, and the Way They Have Shaped Our World. (2003), 296-301.
- Harstad, Carolyn. Go Native! Gardening with Native Plants and Wildflowers in the Lower Midwest. (1999), 134-135.
- Johnson, Lorraine. 100 Easy-to-Grow Native Plants for American Gardens in Temperate Zones. (1999), 87.
- Nelson, Gil. Best Native Plants for Southern Gardens. (2010), 214-215.
- US Fish and Wildlife, Smooth Coneflower