In North American gardens, the native Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) reigns supreme, not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological value and health benefits. Beyond its magnificent beauty, this perennial powerhouse serves as an alluring attraction for butterflies, a medicinal treasure trove, and a source for nourishing herbal tea.
Purple Coneflower in Butterfly Gardens
Known for their large, vibrant pinkish-purple blooms, and their hardiness, Purple Coneflowers are the life of a butterfly garden. They provide a long-lasting splash of color from late spring to early fall, and have a special knack for attracting a variety of North American butterfly species including Monarchs, Swallowtails, and Painted Ladies.
The coneflower’s nectar-rich blossoms serve as a valuable food source for these pollinators, providing vital nourishment throughout their lifecycle. The large, sturdy blossoms also offer a landing pad for butterflies, enabling them to rest and feed with ease. Coneflowers’ summer-long blooming period aligns well with the butterflies’ active season, providing a steady nectar supply when many other sources are scarce.
Beyond attracting butterflies, coneflowers also entice other beneficial insects such as bees, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem by encouraging pollination and biodiversity.
50 Purple Coneflower Seeds (Echinacea purpurea) for North America
Purple Coneflower Seeds (Echinacea purpurea) for all of North America. USDA Zones 3-9. More than 50 seeds.