Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Hedgehog flower is a much more appealing name than coneflower. The name derives from the ancient Greek word “echinos” meaning hedgehog. Coneflowers have prickly, spiny, bristly stems and leaves that deer and rabbits do not like. This daisy-like perennial has petals called “rays” that surround the large seed head. Although called purple, coneflowers come in many bright colors.
These sturdy, resilient plants have deep roots, large, showy flower heads and grow up to four feet tall. Low maintenance, best in full sun, good cut or dried and long blooming, cone flowers give you maximum results with minimum effort. They also attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and many more pollinators. Later in the season the seed heads lure gold finches and other birds into your garden. The coneflower was one of the first wildflowers to successfully move into mainstream horticulture and the seeds are often used in land restoration.
For more information, click here.
