There are many Native Texas plants that are well suited to both the wild and to the home landscape.  Plants that have both stunning beauty and are easily managed in the common flower bed are plentiful.  But there are some plants that stand head and shoulders above the rest.  One of these flowers is Echinacea angustifolia.  Or more commonly know as Purple Coneflower. 

A close cousin of Echinacea angustifolia has made itself readily available in the nursery industry.  But, the nursery hybrids are not near as tough as the true Native plants.  This hardy Native perennial plant grows well in just about any soil type, as long is it is well drained.  It prefers a spot in the full sun, but will bloom nicely even in moderate shade.  Purple Coneflower typically reaches a height of about two feet and produces stunning pale purple flowers during most of the summer months.  Its heaviest bloom period is usually between May and June, but can produce flowers at almost any time.  Its softly drooping petals hang down and from a large disk or flower head that can range in color from almost white to deep reddish purple.  Its botanical name Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos, which means hedgehog and is in reference to the spiky look of the Purple Coneflower’s seed head.

Echinacea angustifolia has become quite rare in the wild, probably due to over harvesting of the plant for its medicinal properties.  The Purple Coneflower is said to boost the immune system, purify the blood, and cure sore throats.  It has also been used with great effect as a wash for wounds, a cure for toothaches, to treat mumps and even to heal distemper in horses. 

The Native range of Purple Coneflower is from the prairies of Canada south to Oklahoma and Texas.  It can be found in gravelly or well drained soils of the Edwards Plateau, the Blackland Prairies, and the Plains Country of Texas, where it works as an important nectar plant for butterflies and provides protein rich seed for birds and small mammals. 

Echinacea angustifolia can be grown easily form seed or it can be purchased for select nurseries that deal in Native Texas Plants and is a must have plant for butterfly gardens.