SCIENTIFIC NAME: Echinacea pallida

COMMON NAME: Pale Purple Coneflower

GARDEN SIZE: 24-48 inches tall by 12-48 inches wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 3-10

EXPOSURE: Full Sun (6 or more hours of sun per day)

WATER & SOIL: Prefers well-drained soil and has average water requirements.

HABIT (FORM): Upright

LIFE CYCLE: Perennial

FOLIAGE: Dark green, toothless leaves

FLOWERS: Fragrant; Pale pinkish-purple with coppery-orange centers. Blooms June-July.

PLANT ORIGIN: Eastern and Central North America

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Supports local bees, lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), and birds (especially finches).

FERTILIZING: Give a root stimulant or 4-3-3 fertilizer during initial planting, then feed lightly in late winter or early spring with compost or an organic fertilizer.

PRUNING: Cut back to just above soil level in early spring. Leave the seedheads in place over the fall and winter to support wildlife.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Generally considered non-toxic to people, dogs, cats, and horses. As with any plant, consuming large quantities may cause mild digestive upset.

USES: Borders, meadows, prairies, rain gardens, cut flowers, containers (but use in containers voids the limited one year warranty)