Echinacea pallida blooms in early summer, attracting butterflies, bees, and parasitic wasps. Its recurved petals are thinner and lighter than those of the more common Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower), bringing an elegant and airy grace to any meadow or garden. The mature seed heads persist on strong stems through winter, providing food for birds. Pale purple coneflower is a resilient species that withstands poor soil and root competition. It prefers to grow in full sun in well-drained soils and is drought tolerant once established.
Echinacea pallida blooms in early summer, attracting butterflies, bees, and parasitic wasps. Its recurved petals are thinner and lighter than those of the more common Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower), bringing an elegant and airy grace to any meadow or garden. The mature seed heads persist on strong stems through winter, providing food for birds. Pale purple coneflower is a resilient species that withstands poor soil and root competition. It prefers to grow in full sun in well-drained soils and is drought tolerant once established.
Height: 3’
Bloom Time: early summer
Light: full sun
Soil: average, medium-dry, dry
Pollinator Support: high
Other: birds feed on seeds in fall and winter
Establishment: easy, needs well-drained soil
Deer Resistance: low to medium
Native Range: lower Midwest and lower Great Plains
Seed Propagated: yes
