Wildlife Wednesday 07/24/2024

It’s #WildlifeWednesday and the prairie is popping! Today we are highlighting a quintessential member of the aster (daisy) family, purple coneflower. 

Purple coneflower blooms during the summer in prairie and open woodland habitats. It is one of the species of echinacea, the name of which comes from the Greek word for “spiny one,” due to the heads of the flowers resembling spiny sea urchins or hedgehogs.

The plant grows to 3-4 feet in height and the individual flowers in the cone have both male and female reproductive parts. The plant is easily pollinated by numerous species of butterflies and bees, and many birds eat and disperse the seeds.

Purple coneflower is native to eastern North America. It is a popular plant to have in yards and gardens due to its colorful blooms, tolerance of drought, and ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Additionally, it is often used in floral arrangements and bouquets and the flowers are frequently used in herbal teas.

Purple coneflower blooms during middle and late summer and into the fall.