Photo Credit: MG Mary Townsley

Echinacea is a North American native species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family.  Its long blooming period and easy care make it a favorite for perennial gardens in the southeast.  
 

As is true with most plants, echinacea is usually known by its common name coneflower. The usual pink coneflower color has been overshadowed by newer varieties with double flowers, and many new flower colors.  

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Butterflies and bees find the prickly cone a good landing spot to rest from flight and forage for pollen.  Birds enjoy the seeds that persist in the cone during the winter months.