Echinacea pallida aka Pale Echinacea

Echinacea pallida belongs to the daisy family. Its common name is pale purple coneflower. This plant lives for years. It grows in eastern Canada and central and eastern America. In the wild, it grows in prairies and open woods. It also grows on rocky slopes and in glades. Loss of these sites has made it scarce in some areas. It suits native plant beds, meadows, and prairie gardens.

Plants form upright clumps and lose their leaves in winter. North Carolina State lists heights of 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres]. RHS gives a taller range, reaching 5 feet [1.5 metres]. Clumps spread about 1–1.6 feet [0.3–0.5 metres] across. Stout, hairy stems range from green to purple. The long taproot has few branches. This root helps the plant cope with drought. Most leaves grow near the base of the stem. These rough, narrow green leaves have a lance shape. Hairs cover both sides of each leaf.

Each stalk bears one flower head above the leaves. Long, thin pink-purple rays hang around a spiny brown cone. Its white pollen sets it apart from purple coneflower. Flower heads reach about three inches across. American sources place bloom in June and July. RHS gives midsummer to early autumn as the bloom time. Small, tan fruits called achenes form in the heads. They form from July through August. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, skippers, and hummingbirds. Some caterpillars feed on the leaves or flower heads.

Give this plant full sun and soil that drains well. It also grows in part shade. It tolerates sand, loam, and clay. Sources say it tolerates acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Dry to moist sites suit it. Too much winter wet poses a risk. Its hardiness ratings are USDA 3–10 and RHS H5. It needs little upkeep and grows at a moderate rate. Cut fading stems to help it form more flowers. Or leave the heads for winter interest. It works in borders and containers. It also supplies fresh or dried cut flowers. Deer tend to leave it alone.

Clumps can become crowded. North Carolina State warns that the plant can spread strongly. Split clumps to ease crowding, though RHS says plants dislike disturbance. Slugs may harm new shoots. Japanese beetles and leaf spot can also occur. PFAF lists no known food use. North Carolina State reports no known toxic effects in people. This also applies to domestic animals. PFAF warns that high doses used as medicine may cause dizziness. It also warns that repeated use may suppress the immune system.