Echinacea - Coneflower Seeds

Echinacea purpurea, E. hybrida, E. paradoxa

Echinacea is a genus or group of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family. This family has 9 species, which are commonly known as purple coneflowers. These flowering plants and their parts have different uses. Some species are cultivated in gardens for their showy flowers. Echinacea, or Coneflowers, are beloved by cottage gardeners and by those who love butterflies.  The large daisylike flowers with mounded heads and showy rose or pink rays (petals) are usually borne singly on stout stems, well above the foliage. Coneflowers are plants of prairies and open woods. Give them average, loamy soil in full sun or light shade. Plants grow best with adequate moisture but are quite tolerant of extended drought. These tough plants have deep taproots that enable them to store some water for lean times. Plants increase to form broad clumps. They flower throughout summer, and the rayless seedheads are attractive throughout fall and winter. Division is seldom necessary and not recommended.