The Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is in the sunflower family, and it’s named for its purple petals.

When It Blooms: June to August.

Where You’ll Find It: It’s found statewide, especially in areas with well drained soil. They prefer sun but can survive in the shade.

Did You Know? Purple Coneflower was used as a medicinal plant by Native Americans and early settlers. The flower was used as a painkiller, cough medicine and a gastrointestinal aid.

Additional Resources:

• Purple Coneflower: technical note by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.