Echinacea simulata
Echinacea simulata is the glade or wavyleaf purple coneflower of the Ozarks and nearby states. It stands out for drooping pale-purple rays and yellow pollen that distinguish it from similar species. It performs best in sunny, well-drained, often rocky soils with low to medium fertility. It is hardy in Zones 5 to 8 and tolerates heat and humidity once established. It blooms mainly in late June and July with occasional later flowers.
It supports pollinators and leaves upright seedheads for birds.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: species; herbaceous perennial
- Height × spread: 24 to 36 in × 12 to 24 in (60 to 90 cm × 30 to 60 cm)
- Bloom window: June to July
- Color & flower form: pale pinkish-purple rays that droop; coppery-orange cone; yellow pollen
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 5 to 8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: wild species, unknown, USA
- Cut-flower notes: stems sturdy; typical vase life 5 to 8 days with cool conditioning
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Similar to pale purple coneflower but with yellow pollen rather than white.
- Prefers glades and rocky openings with excellent drainage.
- Habit and size are moderate with strong, unbranched stems.
- Best performance occurs in full sun and lean soils.
Strengths
- Good drought and heat tolerance once established.
- Distinctive wildflower look in native or meadow plantings.
- Low maintenance in well-drained sites.
- Seedheads offer wildlife value and winter texture.
Care in one minute
- Grow in full sun on dry to medium, well-drained soil; rocky or gravelly sites suit it.
- Irrigate to establish; then water deeply only during extended droughts.
- Do not overfeed; excess fertility reduces flower display.
- Deadhead to tidy or leave some seedheads for birds.
- Divide or move only in early spring if needed.
Watch‑outs
- Poor drainage or heavy mulch can cause crown rot.
- Shade leads to stretched stems and fewer blooms.
- Standard coneflower pests and aster yellows may occur.
Best uses (tags)
prairie, pollinators, naturalized, cutting, heat-tolerant
Provenance note
Native primarily to the Ozark region with disjunct populations from Illinois and Indiana south through Kentucky and Tennessee to northern Alabama and Georgia.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Echinacea simulata
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Echinacea (database, images)
- USDA PLANTS: Echinacea simulata
- Missouri Plants: Echinacea simulata (ID notes)
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
We are a small independent group of flower lovers who research and review each guide using trusted horticultural and educational sources. Learn more about us