Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench or purple coneflower, is considered to be a native species her in Michigan, but I've never seen them growing wild.
However, they are a very popular addition to the garden, being perennial with smooth, 2-5 ft. stems and long-lasting, lavender flowers which typically bloom in august here on Mackinac.
The genus name is from the Greek echino, meaning hedgehog, an allusion to the spiny, brownish central disk.
However, they are a very popular addition to the garden, being perennial with smooth, 2-5 ft. stems and long-lasting, lavender flowers which typically bloom in august here on Mackinac.
The genus name is from the Greek echino, meaning hedgehog, an allusion to the spiny, brownish central disk.
The flowers of Echinacea species are used to make an extremely popular herbal tea, purported to help strengthen the immune system.
Purple coneflower seeds are a valuable food source for many birds -- it's a great idea to leave your seedheads in the garden over the winter to provide food for birds that live in your area year-round.
This time of year, it's bees that are primarily attracted (well and me and my camera too), which is great for pollination and more plants for next year.
This time of year, it's bees that are primarily attracted (well and me and my camera too), which is great for pollination and more plants for next year.
great photos. don't you just love when the bees come into your garden?
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