Smooth Purple Coneflower Echinacea laevigata
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- ek-in-AY-shee-a lee-vih-GAY-tuh
- Description
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"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 federally listed endangered species found in the piedmont regions of the United States. This echinacea looks similar to its relative Echinacea purpera. They enjoy plenty of sun and are often spotted along roadways or sunny forested areas. They grow well with calcium and magnesium-rich soil. It reproduces through rhizomes and by seed.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Echinacea
- Species:
- laevigata
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Root Cutting
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Pennsylvania to SE. U.S.A., NC
- Wildlife Value:
- This plant supports Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) larvae. The flower is visited by honey and native bees for its nectar and birds in the winter if seed heads are not removed.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Wildflower
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- NC Region:
- Piedmont
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Good Cut
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Blooms from May to July with narrow purple or light pink ray flowers that droop down and are about 4" long. The disk flowers in the center rise in a cone shape and are dark purple.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Hairs Present:
- No
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer