Pale coneflower is slender in all respects, but is far from being a shrinking violet. Like most coneflowers in our state, it is absent from the Bootheel region. Pale purple coneflower, Echinacea pallida, which is usually lighter in color than purple coneflower and glade coneflower, is considered the most widespread Echinacea in Missouri. Habitat preference and bright lemon-colored pollen help to set this species apart from its relatives. Similar in appearance to pale purple coneflower, glade coneflowers display pink flowers in a shade intermediate between purple coneflower and pale purple coneflower. Growing where many plants would shrivel up and die due to dry, harsh conditions, this species is at home upon Missouri’s sun-bathed limestone and dolomite glades, savannas, and bluff tops. While purple coneflowers require soils with some moisture, others coneflowers such as Echinacea simulata, or glade coneflower, thrive upon the harsh, dry barrens, bald knobs and ridges typically found in the Ozarks region.Ībsent from most of Missouri, except for the southeastern corner of the state and Dunklin County in the Bootheel, glade coneflowers enjoy life in the sun. Occasionally, due to genetics, a rare form with white petals appears among the mixed myriad of purples and pinks within stands of this species.įound in habitats such as upland prairies, sun-dappled openings in wooded forests, along stream banks, roadsides, and abandoned pasture lands, purple coneflowers occur naturally in all areas of Missouri except in the western edge of the Glaciated Plains and in the Mississippi Lowlands region of the state. Growing between 24 and 36 inches tall, Echinacea purpurea sports robust, dark brown flowerheads with pinkish-purple to reddish-purple petals and broadly ovate, dark green leaves. One of five Echinacea species found in Missouri, purple coneflowers are a wildflower favorite among gardeners and landscape designers. It is hard to pass by a garden filled with the brightly colored petals of purple coneflowers without stopping and marveling. Because coneflowers are native to many areas, growing them can be a snap, even upon rocky glade habitats, during times of drought, or under other adverse weather conditions. White, orange, and brilliant magenta hues develop when the genetic pool varies. Below the angry hedgehog portion are long, narrow, swept-back petals, which often appear as flowing skirts when blown about by warm summer breezes.Ĭoneflowers display a wide range of colors, depending upon the species and the genetic variation afforded by crosses that occur readily among Echinacea. The name Echinacea is derived from the Greek word echinos, or hedgehog, in reference to the flowers’ large, brown, cone-shaped seedheads that resemble the prickly spines of a frustrated hedgehog. However, this genus of nine distinct native species found in the United States is also highly valued for its splendid summer coloration, attractiveness to wildlife, hardy nature, and ease of cultivation. In the 1700s, horses suffering from saddle sores were treated with an extract obtained from coneflower roots. Due to their reputation, coneflowers have been referred to by other names, such as snakeroot and black sampson.
#Purple coneflower missouri skin#
Historically, coneflower potions have been used to treat such ailments as anthrax, blood poisoning, snakebites, skin infections, and the common cold. ” This amazing plant was our narrow-leaved purple coneflower, Echinacea angustifolia.Įchinacea are still often touted as medicinal in nature. A little more than 200 years ago, William Clark wrote in his travel journal, “I collected a Plant the root of which is a Cure for the Bite of a mad dog & Snake which I shall Send.
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