Echinacea purpurea

purpleconeflowerfull
(Photo by Asia Comer)

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Taxonomy (1)

Classification: Angiosperm, dicot
Family: Asteraceae
Common name: Purple Coneflower

General Information (1,2,3)

Region of Origin: Eastern United States
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Growth Habit: Herb

  • Size: 0.5-2 feet

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (1)

  • Shape: Ovate to lanceolate
  • Other: 3-8 inches, rough texture

purpleconeflowerleaf
(Photo by Asia Comer)

Stem/Bark (1)

  • Color: Light green with purple streaks
  • Other: Pubescent

Inflorescence (1)

  • Color: Purple (Ray flowers)
  • Size: 3 inches
  • Inflorescence type: Head

purpleconeflowerfull
(Photo by Asia Comer)

Fruit (4)

  • Fruit type: Achene
  • Color: Tan

Horticultural Information (1,2,3)

  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Maintenance: Easy to care for
  • Landscape Uses: Beds or borders
  • Other: May need deadheading

Interesting Facts (1,2)

  • Extracts from the roots can boost your immune system

References

1) Christman, S. (1997). Echinacea purpurea. Retrieved from http://www.floridata.com/ref/E/ech_pur.cfm
2) Echinacea purpurea (l.) moench. (2013). ( Univeristy of Texas at Austin ), Available from Natvie Plant Database . Retrieved from http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ECPU
3) Still, S. (1982). Herbaceous ornamental plants. Stripes Publishing Company.
4) Shadow, R. Alan. Pale purple coneflower. United States Department of Agriculture (Natural Resources Conservation Services). Retrieved from: http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_ecpa.pdf

Prepared by Asia Comer as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek