Purple Coneflower - Echinacea purpurea

  Keystone species with high ecological value(as long as you stick with the straight species and Do not use cultivars. (Non Native to NE, although it is Native to central & southeastern US) although a popular in many MA gardens and loved by pollinators, hummingbirds & gold finches.  It is not considered invasive

Perennial Herb/Flower drought tolerant and grows to 4Ft High (doesn't usually bloom in its first year)

Its Blooms are pink to purple from July to September and is much loved by pollinators. (Frequented by Monarchs & Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies) Birds love the seeds in the fall to winter (so do not cut them back).  Dead heading early in the season can bring more blooms.  

Prefers: Full to Partial Sun  Soil: Medium-Wet, to Medium-Dry

May be used as a tea or tinctures (not recommended for those with autoimmune disorders or allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, and daisies or related allergens)

Benefits: pollinators(Butterflies, Bees,(special value to native bees) hummingbirds  & gold  finches eat the seeds in the fall/ winter.   Larval Host plant for the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly and several moths including the wavy-lined emerald and the sunflower moth.