Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower)

Echinacea pallida, commonly called pale purple coneflower, is an upright native wildflower that produces graceful daisy-like flowers of in early summer in attractive shades of light pink and pale purple. Similar in appearance to the more common purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), the two can be differentiated by the narrower drooping petals of Echinacea pallida compared with the more flat, wider petals of purple coneflower. Also similar to purple coneflowers, pale purple coneflower grows to 1-3' tall and 1-2' wide, and is highly attractive to a number of different pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds. In late summer and fall, spiky, persistent seed heads are an important food source for birds.  

Though native to Maryland and the East Coast, Echinacea pallida is less common in this range, and occurs much more commonly in drier, upland plain habitats. Since its usual conditions can be on the drier side, pale purple coneflower has a deep taproot which makes it highly adaptable and capable of tolerating drought, heat, humidity and poor soils. Though Echinacea pallida benefits from its taproot on most occasions, planting sites with poorly draining soil can result in root rot fairly easily. With upright behavior, versatility, and a penchant for dry, sun to partial shade areas Echinacea pallida provides a low-maintenance and highly sought after addition to a variety of garden types, including pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, and any larger space in need of a splash of color.