Purple Coneflower - Echinacea purpurea *RPBB*

Iconic wildflower in home gardens, Purple Coneflower is one of the showier echinacea, and a terrific wildlife plant. It's attracts abundant native bees for its nectar, including the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee. It is larval host to moth and butterfly caterpillars, such as the Silvery Checkerspot, that eat its foliage and seedheads. This straight coneflower species provides better tolerances to disease and growing conditions than many cultivars commonly in nurseries. It blooms later than the Pale Purple Coneflower, so extend your bloom season by trying both varieties. They hold their seeds in spiky seedheads that are decorative in winter and critical winter food for birds, particularly goldfinches. Soil Type: Clay/Loam/Sand Soil Conditions: Moist-MediumDry Flower Color: Violet Flower time: June-September Height: 4' Light: Sun/Part-Sun Features: Rain Garden, Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Birds, Pollinators, Larval Host Credits: Info & Photo courtesy of Illinoiswildflowers.info