Plant Profile

Pale Coneflower - (Echinacea pallida) is a herbaceous perennial native to North America, and there are nine known species of Echinacea. The Genus name comes from the Greek term Echinos meaning "hedgehog" or "sea urchin" that is reflective of the plants’ spikey center cone. Meanwhile the species epithet pallida is Latin and translated means "pale." This is in reference to their petal color which is a pale pink-purple. The Pale Coneflower is a native wildflower to Eastern and Central North America. In the wild it can be found in rocky prairies, open woodlands, hillsides, glades, or roadsides.

The plant grows to about 3 feet tall and the flowers bloom between June and July. Often they will stay in bloom for roughly 3 weeks. There are 12-20 long, slender, pale, drooping pink to purple petals/rays. In the center of the flower is a domed reddish brown center disk of florets with white pollen. It prefers well-drained soil (sandy, loamy, or clay) and  full sun. Thanks to the lengthy taproot of Echinaceas, this plant is extremely drought tolerant once established. 

The Pale Coneflower attracts hummingbirds, bumblebees, honey bees, butterflies, and skippers. The Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly's caterpillars feed on its foliage. The Wavy-Line Emerald Moth and Common Eupithecia feed on the flower heads. Every 3-4 years the plants may become overcrowded and clumps of the plant will need to be divided.  It is an aggressive plant and needs competing plants such as prairie grass to limit its spread. Consider using the Pale Coneflower in mass borders, native gardens, prairie gardens, in woodlands, or rock gardens. 

The Pale Coneflower are showy and serve as a good cut flower or in dried floral arrangements. Echinacea was reportedly first used by Native Americans for treatment of insect stings and bites as well as snake bites. Meanwhile, presently can be used to prevent colds, flu, and other respiratory tract infections.  It has also been proven to boost the immune system and treat urinary tract infections. Echinacea preparations can also be topically applied for wounds or skin problems. The roots and whole plant possess a cortisone-like antibacterial property.