Purple coneflower has always been a star in plains plantings. It is tough, great for cutting, and one of our most beautiful native wildflowers. Once plants with their dark green, deeply-veined leaves are established, it can be the most important color-maker in a mature meadow in mid-season. But today, it has even further importance. Under its botanical genus name, Echinacea, it has gained worldwide popularity as the No. 1 herbal medicinal. Long a favorite of Native Americans in treating snakebite, echinacea today is used in tablet and other forms to ward off colds and flus, and even to support the immune system. Millions of Americans now take pills or potions containing echinacea daily.

Echinacea purpurea was featured as a Pollinator Favorite in a Mt Cuba Center Trial Garden Research Report. These reports evaluate native plants and related cultivars for horticultural and ecological value, highlighting the ecosystem services they provide.