Echinacea pallida, Pale-Purple Coneflower

The long, drooping rays going from pale pink to vibrant purple distinguish this Echinacea from the others. Endemic to the Ozarks it is especially drought-hardy and has few requirements for "good" soil. A sun loving perennial, it is quickly becoming threatened as indiscriminate wildcrafting diminishes wild populations. A wildflower easily naturalized, E. pallida adds a bright display for spring days. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Grow specs: 2-3 feet. Poor, dry to ordinary garden loam. Stratify: 30 days at 41 degrees F. or plant in fall. Full sun.

Traditional uses include relief for mumps, measles, colds, smallpox and rheumatism, among other things.   (Photo © Steven Foster)
$3.00

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