Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida) flowers are a unique dusty purple and emerge in early summer. It forms a deep taproot which allows for great drought tolerance, but it does not do well in undrained soil and resents being transplanted. It is a food source of the adult Ottoe Skipper butterfly, which is listed as endangered in Canada and threatened in the United States. There has been much debate over the years about whether Pale Purple Coneflower is historically native to Southern Ontario or not, as documented historical specimens are rate yet it can be found in bordering states and throughout much of the central United States. Most restoration practitioners consider it to be native or 'near native' to Ontario.
Growing Instructions
Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.