Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
A tallgrass-prairie native of central and eastern North America (not native to Alberta, but widely grown here as a hardy ornamental and one of the best butterfly plants for prairie gardens). Pink-purple ray petals droop slightly around a spiky, copper-orange central cone that persists through winter and feeds goldfinches well into the cold months. Echinacea root and aerial parts have a long medicinal history in Plains Indigenous traditions and modern herbalism — typically used for immune support and as a topical wound wash. Hardy to Zone 3 with reliable snow cover; benefits from mulch in exposed Edmonton-area sites.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Native to central & eastern North America; widely cultivated across Alberta, Zone 3
Light
Full sun
Bloom Time
July–Sept
Soil
Average, well-drained; tolerates clay and lean ground; dislikes wet winter feet
Water
Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Growing & Cultivation
Best Planting Time
Spring after last frost, or fall for natural stratification
Propagation
Seed (cold-stratify 4 weeks; surface-sow — needs light) or root cuttings taken in late fall. Established clumps can be divided in early spring every 4 years to keep them vigorous.
Seed Collection
Let cones dry fully on the plant; crumble apart over a tray and separate seed from chaff. Wear gloves — the cones are spiky.
Spacing
45–60 cm
