Family

Asteraceae

Description

Purple coneflower and it’s many colorful ornamental hybrds are often the first flower that comes to mind when thinking of native plants. The flowers are an abundant source of nectar and pollen for many pollinating birds and insects.  It’s not uncommon to find some of our most beautiful butterflies like monarchs and swallowtails feeding on them on almost any sunny summer day.  When in seed it’s a classic sight to see goldfinches sitting on top the seed head eating the seeds.

These are the cultivars that are grown in the sunken garden; Green Twister, Happy Star, Magnus, Ruby Star, and Yellow Ombre

 

Range / Habitat

Eastern & Central North America

Type

forb