The name Echinacea comes from the Greek word for 'sea urchin,' referring to the spiky appearance of the flowers. Native species of Echinacea and most cultivars are highly attractive bee plants, especially when planted in good-sized clusters. Green sweat bees, leafcutter bees, bumble bees and long-horned bees are frequent visitors to these lovely, perennial composite flowers.

 

Native Regions
Central and Eastern North America

 

Availability
Although native to the eastern U.S., Echinacea purpurea is a hardy, commercially available species of Echinacea, which can be grown in many regions of the U.S. and Canada.

 

Duration
Perennial

 

Bloom Time
Summer

 

Average Height
2 feet

 

Flower Color
Purple

 

Exposure
Full sun

 

Water Requirements
Average, but drought-tolerant once established

 

Recommended Species

Echinacea purpurea (eastern purple coneflower)

Echinacea pallida (pale purple coneflower)

Echinacea angustifolia (blacksamson coneflower)