Species PlantsPale Purple Coneflower

Pale Purple Coneflower

Echinacea pallida

UncommonPlant
Illustration of Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida)

Pale Purple Coneflower is a native prairie wildflower with long, drooping pale pink to nearly white ray petals surrounding a spiny reddish-brown central cone. Native to prairies and open woods of the central United States, it blooms in early summer. The drooping ray petals distinguish it from most other coneflowers. Like other Echinacea species, it was historically used by Plains tribes as a medicinal plant, particularly for sore throats and wounds.

Habitat
Found in dry to mesic prairies, open woodlands, and rocky glades in the central United States.
Diet
Seeds eaten by American goldfinch; provides nectar for bumblebees and butterflies.
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Pale Purple Coneflower

The best time to see a Pale Purple Coneflower is May–June, when about 75% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,545 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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