Narrow-Leaf Coneflower
Echinacea angustifolia DC.
These purple-flowered, hairy-leaved plants are tough. Though shorter than the more common purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea, a species from the eastern U.S.), these plants are definitely more drought tolerant. Plants can be started from seed and should be transplanted when small; they are difficult to transplant when larger because of their taproot. Plants start out a bit slowly and take a few years to bulk up in size. This plant can reseed a fair amount depending on conditions.
Height: 12-24”
Width: 12-18”
Water needs: low
Exposure: full sun
Availability in nurseries: uncommon in nurseries but not hard to start from seed
Native range: MT to MN, NM to LA, and central Canada (WY native)
Plant family: Asteraceae
Photo by Jennifer Thompson
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