pale purple coneflower
Echinacea pallida, the pale purple coneflower. Like all Echinacea, the pale purple coneflower is a member of the Asteraceae and is native to the central United States in areas south of Like Michigan, Mississippi Valley, and southeastern Great Plains. While native to these regions, E. pallida is commonly planted in gardens throughout the eastern U.S. which has led to its unintentional introduction into wildlands of non-native areas such as the southeastern U.S., New England, and Ontario.
Plants grow up to 3 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide, and flower from May-July; although sometimes longer in the garden setting. In the wild, E. pallida is most often found growing as one single flowering stem; however, in the garden settings plants with multiple stems originating from the base are more common. The pale purple coneflower has a deep taproot that helps make the plant highly drought tolerant. Flower color can vary considerably from rose-purple to nearly white, a result of free natural hybridization and ecotype/genotype influence. Echinacea pallida is threatened in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| Botanical Name | Echinacea pallida |
| Common Name | pale purple coneflower |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| USDA Zone | 3 thru 10 |
| Light Requirement | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Season(s) of interest | spring, summer, fall, winter |
| Height and Spread | 2-3ft x 1-1.5ft (60-90cm x 30-45cm) |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Attracts Wildlife | Provides Food for Birds, Attracts Pollinators, Rarely Browsed by Mammalian Herbivores |
| Additional Information | Native to Chicago Region. |
| Location in Lurie Garden | Bird Border – Monroe, Southwest Light Plate, Northeast Light Plate |
Average Flowering Time
