SCIENTIFIC NAME: Echinacea pallida
COMMON NAMES: Pale Purple Coneflower
BLOOM TIME: June, July
PLANT PROFILE:
- Root length 6 ½ to 10 foot, long tap root can withstand prolonged drought & plants can grow 2 to 5 foot tall.
- Native Americans used most widely as prevention or treatment of the common cold, flu-like infections, snake bites, bee stings, headaches, stomach cramps, poorly healing wounds, and distemper in horses.
- American Indians also used in rituals to endure extreme heat. (somewhat of a burn preventative, enables body to endure extreme heat).
- In full bloom honey scent attracts bees & butterflies then after pollinated scent changes to vanilla.
INSECT/ANIMAL INTERACTIONS:
- Long-tongued bees, butterflies, & skippers are the most important visitors to the flowers.
- A favorite of Goldfinches, who eat almost all the seeds before winter from home gardens.