Yellow Coneflower

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Long-lived perennial

Native distribution

Southeastern USA in the Ozark Mountains

Location

Houston and Grossman Ponds, Palmer-Kinne Dogwood Collection, Bioswale Garden

Source of plant

Bluebird Nursery Inc., Seneca Hill Perennials, Easyliving Wildflowers, Cayuga Landscape Company, Johnny's Selected Seeds

Description

This coneflower is the only species in the genus Echinacea to have yellow flowers instead of the usual purple flowers (this being the paradox suggested by the species name). It primarily occurs on glades and prairies in the Ozark regions of Missouri and Arkansas. Features large, daisy-like flowers with drooping yellow to orange-yellow petals and very large, coppery-brown to chocolate-brown central cones. Best flower display is mid-June to mid-July, sometimes with sporadic continued bloom throughout the summer. Flowers grow on rigid, glabrous stems to 3' tall. Smooth, lance-shaped, dark green leaves are 4-8" long, with linear veining. The dead flower stems will remain erect well into the winter and are often visited by goldfinches who feed on the seeds.

USDA Hardiness Zone

5

Special characteristics

flower color