Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia is the Great Plains narrow-leaf coneflower. It stands out for a compact 12 to 24 inch habit and narrow leaves. It performs best in full sun on lean, well-drained soils. It excels in dry sites and open prairie plantings. It is hardy across cold winters in Zones 3 to 8. It offers earlier summer bloom than many garden selections.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: species; herbaceous perennial
- Height × spread: 12 to 24 in × 9 to 18 in (30 to 60 cm × 23 to 45 cm)
- Bloom window: June to July
- Color & flower form: light pink to pale purple rays; cone orange-brown; rays often slightly drooping
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 3 to 8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: wild species, unknown, USA and Canada
- Cut-flower notes: stems sturdy for size; typical vase life 5 to 8 days with cool conditioning
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Shorter and narrower-leafed than typical purple coneflower.
- More drought-adapted and suited to lean, rocky soils.
- Smaller flower heads with rays that may droop modestly.
- Earlier peak bloom compared with many garden forms.
Strengths
- Compact habit for small gardens and prairie edges.
- High drought tolerance after establishment.
- Low fertilizer needs and good heat tolerance.
- Supports pollinators in open, sunny sites.
Care in one minute
- Choose full sun with free drainage; raised beds help on clay.
- Maintain slightly dry to medium moisture; avoid overwatering.
- No rich feeding is needed; a thin spring compost layer is enough.
- Deadhead to tidy or leave some seedheads for wildlife.
- Divide or transplant in early spring if clumps become crowded.
Watch‑outs
- Can struggle in heavy, wet soils.
- Shade reduces flowering and encourages flop.
- Aster yellows can occur in warm, leafhopper-active periods.
Best uses (tags)
borders, pollinators, prairie, xeric, cutting
Provenance note
Native to upland prairies and plains of central North America with a long history in dry grassland communities.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Echinacea angustifolia
- Utah State University Extension: Echinacea Cut Flower Production
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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