Black-samson Echinacea Echinacea angustifolia

Narrow Leaf Coneflower is a native meadow perennial found growing in dry prairies and barrens with rocky to sandy-clay soils in central Canada and the USA in the aster family. It has daisy-like blossoms on a single tall stalk in early summer. It bears copper-orange central cones surrounded by short, arching, ray petals in pink or purple-pink, and occasionally white."Echinacea"  is derived from the Greek word echinos which means sea-urchin or hedgehog, referring to the pointy cone found in the center of flowers in this genus.

Grows well in deep, well-drained soil in full sun. It has a clumping habit, so divide clumps in spring every 3-4 years.  Root cuttings can be made in autumn.  It is tolerant of drought, heat, humidity, and poor soils. Deadheading prolongs flowering and cutting back stems will promote more flowering. This plant is a great addition to a pollinator, native, or meadow garden and will attract a variety of wildlife including birds, butterflies and bees.  Coneflower is an important food source for the Silvery checkerspot caterpillar (Chlosyne nycteis)

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Leaf miners, powdery mildew, bacterial spots, and gray mold. Vine weevils may feed on roots.