SCIENTIFIC NAME: Echinacea paradoxa

COMMON NAME: Bush's Coneflower

GARDEN SIZE: 36 inches tall by 18-24 inches wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 3 - 8

EXPOSURE: Full to Part Sun (4 or more hours of sun per day, ideally light afternoon shade)

WATER & SOIL: Prefers medium to dry, well-drained soil. Tolerates dry conditions once established.

HABIT (FORM): Upright, clump-forming

LIFE CYCLE: Perennial

FOLIAGE: Green

FLOWERS: Fragrant, bright yellow daisy-like blooms with prominent central cones

PLANT ORIGIN: Ozark region of Arkansas and Missouri

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)