Echinacea angustifolia aka Purple Coneflower

Echinacea angustifolia is a perennial in the aster family. Gardeners know it as narrow-leaf coneflower or Black Sampson coneflower. Its native range spans western Canada and northern and central America’s United States. It grows in dry prairies and barrens with rocky or sandy soils. Some wild sites have limestone beneath the soil. It forms clumps and loses its leaves for winter.

Garden size estimates vary between sources. NC State lists heights of 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres]. RHS gives a garden range of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Its account also mentions plants reaching 3.9 feet [1.2 metres]. Spread estimates run from 0.8–3.3 feet [0.25–1 metre]. The upright stems have hairs and ridges, with few branches. Their green surface may show a pink tint. Narrow green or grey-green leaves cluster near the stem base. They feel rough and have three clear veins. Leaves have smooth edges and may be lance-shaped or oval.

Flowers open in early summer, with June to July listed. Each head has a raised cone of small disk flowers. Sources describe the cone as orange, copper-toned, or purple-brown. Pale pink or purple rays bend down around it. Some plants have white rays instead. The narrow rays have notched tips, and the pollen is yellow. Small, dark, four-sided achenes form in the cone. Birds feed on these seeds when gardeners leave the heads standing.

Give this plant full sun and soil that drains well. NC State also lists partial shade as suitable. RHS favors fertile soil with plenty of humus. The plant also copes with poor, dry, clay, and rocky soils. It tolerates drought, heat, and humidity. Sources support USDA zones 3–8 and the UK rating H5. Growth is moderate, and upkeep is low. Removing spent flowers can lengthen the bloom season. Gardeners can raise plants from seed, divisions, or root cuttings.

Use it in borders, prairie plantings, meadows, or native gardens. RHS also lists pots, gravel gardens, and cut flowers. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers for nectar. The plant supports Wavy-lined Emerald larvae and other butterfly caterpillars. Serious pest and disease trouble is uncommon, though problems occur. Japanese beetles and leaf miners may attack it. Vine weevils can damage roots. Leaf spots, powdery mildew, and gray mold are possible. Native Americans used this species in traditional medicine. PFAF lists no known food uses. Its safety notes warn of dizziness at high medicinal doses. They also flag possible immune suppression with repeated use.