An adaptable, easy-to-grow wildflower for your garden. It grows in a variety of soil types and moistures but is intolerant to long, dry periods and might begin to droop. The stunning blooms are long-lasting throughout the summer. It is highly attractive to the Monarch butterfly and its large seed heads attract small birds later in the season. This species grows nicely alongside prairie grasses and Black Eyed Susan.
While this plant is designated by VASCAN as introduced to Ontario, it is considered a near native plant to many plant professionals in the nursery industry in Southern Ontario. The native range is the north-eastern United States, which is right on the border of Southern Ontario. Purple Coneflower is valuable to local wildlife and grows well with other native plants. Many local conservation groups and ecological landscaping companies use this species in restoration planting and for other gardening purposes.
Historically is was used to treat snake bites, headaches, and sore throats. The flower is still used today for pharmaceutical purposes, with respiratory relief being one of the more common uses.
