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The Natives are Friendly
Narrow-leaf Purple Coneflower
The Natives are Friendly
Narrow-leaf Purple Coneflower
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There are many Native Texas plants that are well suited to both the wild and to the home landscape.
Plants that have both stunning beauty and are easily managed in the common flower bed are
plentiful. But there are some plants that stand head and shoulders above the rest. One of these
flowers is Echinacea angustifolia. Or more commonly know as Purple Coneflower.
A close cousin of Echinacea angustifolia has made itself readily available in the nursery industry.
But, the nursery hybrids are not near as tough as the true Native plants. This hardy Native perennial
plant grows well in just about any soil type, as long is it is well drained. It prefers a spot in the full
sun, but will bloom nicely even in moderate shade. Purple Coneflower typically reaches a height of
about two feet and produces stunning pale purple flowers during most of the summer months. Its
heaviest bloom period is usually between May and June, but can produce flowers at almost any time.
Its softly drooping petals hang down and from a large disk or flower head that can range in color from
almost white to deep reddish purple. Its botanical name Echinacea comes from the Greek word
echinos, which means hedgehog and is in reference to the spiky look of the Purple Coneflower’s
seed head.
Plants that have both stunning beauty and are easily managed in the common flower bed are
plentiful. But there are some plants that stand head and shoulders above the rest. One of these
flowers is Echinacea angustifolia. Or more commonly know as Purple Coneflower.
A close cousin of Echinacea angustifolia has made itself readily available in the nursery industry.
But, the nursery hybrids are not near as tough as the true Native plants. This hardy Native perennial
plant grows well in just about any soil type, as long is it is well drained. It prefers a spot in the full
sun, but will bloom nicely even in moderate shade. Purple Coneflower typically reaches a height of
about two feet and produces stunning pale purple flowers during most of the summer months. Its
heaviest bloom period is usually between May and June, but can produce flowers at almost any time.
Its softly drooping petals hang down and from a large disk or flower head that can range in color from
almost white to deep reddish purple. Its botanical name Echinacea comes from the Greek word
echinos, which means hedgehog and is in reference to the spiky look of the Purple Coneflower’s
seed head.
Echinacea angustifolia has become quite rare in
the wild, probably due to over harvesting of the
plant for its medicinal properties. The Purple
Coneflower is said to boost the immune system,
purify the blood, and cure sore throats. It has
also been used with great effect as a wash for
wounds, a cure for toothaches, to treat mumps
and even to heal distemper in horses.
The Native range of Purple Coneflower is from
the prairies of Canada south to Oklahoma and
Texas. It can be found in gravelly or well drained
soils of the Edwards Plateau, the Blackland
Prairies, and the Plains Country of Texas, where
it works as an important nectar plant for
butterflies and provides protein rich seed for
birds and small mammals.
the wild, probably due to over harvesting of the
plant for its medicinal properties. The Purple
Coneflower is said to boost the immune system,
purify the blood, and cure sore throats. It has
also been used with great effect as a wash for
wounds, a cure for toothaches, to treat mumps
and even to heal distemper in horses.
The Native range of Purple Coneflower is from
the prairies of Canada south to Oklahoma and
Texas. It can be found in gravelly or well drained
soils of the Edwards Plateau, the Blackland
Prairies, and the Plains Country of Texas, where
it works as an important nectar plant for
butterflies and provides protein rich seed for
birds and small mammals.
Echinacea angustifolia can be grown easily form seed or it can be purchased for select nurseries that
deal in Native Texas Plants and is a must have plant for butterfly gardens.
deal in Native Texas Plants and is a must have plant for butterfly gardens.