Smooth Purple Coneflower Echinacea laevigata

Smooth Purple Coneflower is a native wildflower in the aster family found in the Piedmont of NC, SC, VA and GA growing in disturbed areas as along roadways and areas cleared by fire. This echinacea looks similar to its relative Echinacea purpura but the ray flowers droop down further and may be fewer in number. This plant will grow up to 5 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, blooms during the summer and attracts pollinators and songbirds, especially finches who love the seeds. It will spread by rhizomes and seeds. 

 "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. Echinacea laevigata is a federally listed endangered species found in the Piedmont region of the United States. 

This is an adaptable plant that is easy to grow. It prefers full sun but tolerates part shade. Plant in average medium to dry well-drained soils and keep moist until established. It prefers neutral to alkaline soils rich in calcium and magnesium. Once established it is drought, heat, humidity and poor soil tolerant.  Deadheading will promote more blooms but be sure to leave some for the birds and reseeding. 

Use this plant in the native pollinator garden, in groups or as a middle to back-of-the-border plant.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Plants are relatively pest resistant but Japanese beetle and leaf spot are occasional problems.