Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida) is a long-lived native prairie perennial found throughout much of the central United States, including Nebraska. It is distinguished from the more commonly planted Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) by its narrower leaves, taller stature, and long, gracefully drooping pale lavender-pink petals. Blooming from late spring into summer, its flowers provide nectar and pollen for native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. After flowering, the prominent seed heads persist into fall and winter, providing food for songbirds such as goldfinches. Pale Purple Coneflower develops a deep taproot that allows it to thrive in drought-prone conditions and makes it well-suited for prairie restorations, pollinator habitats, naturalized plantings, and low-maintenance landscapes. Its elegant flowers and ecological value make it one of the signature wildflowers of the Great Plains.
Plant Description
Common Name(s): Pale Purple Coneflower, Pale Coneflower
Genus: Echinacea
Species: pallida
Plant Requirements
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Zones (1-13): 3-8
Light Needs: Full Sun
Water Needs: Dry
Available Space To Plant: 12 in - 3 ft
Height: 2-4 ft
Spread: 1-2 ft
Maintenance: Low
Plant Characteristics
Flower Characteristics: Showy, Good cut, Good dried
Bloom Color: Lavender, Purple
Bloom Time: Spring, Summer
Leaf Color:Green
Attracts Wildlife: Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Plants that Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Drought, Clay soil, Dry soil, Shallow-rocky soil
Uses: Naturalize, Rain Garden