Echinacea laevigata

Common Names

Smooth Purple Coneflower, Smooth Coneflower

Summary

Smooth Purple Coneflower, a rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial native to the southeastern United States, grows upright to about 0.5–1.5 m tall and bears a solitary head with pale pink to lavender ray florets that droop away from a dark purple central disk, it favors open, sunny habitats on magnesium- and calcium-rich soils such as roadsides, power-line rights-of-way, glades, and open woods, and typically flowers from May through July, attracting nectar-seeking pollinators. Cultivation emphasizes full sun and well-drained soils; once established, drought-tolerant, with moisture during establishment recommended. The plant reproduces by seed and rhizomes, and can be propagated by seed or division; deadheading extends blooming and supports ongoing flowering. It is generally pest resistant, with occasional issues from Japanese beetles or leaf spot. In landscape use, it fits native pollinator gardens, mass plantings, or wildlife-friendly plantings, and nectar from flowers supports honeybees and native bees while seed heads provide winter food for birds if left. Federally listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act with ongoing conservation and reintroduction programs.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-3.5 feet

Spread

12-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3a-8b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun. Tolerates partial sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained, calcium- and magnesium-rich soil with neutral to alkaline pH

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils

Soil pH

6.0-8.0, Neutral to alkaline soils

Bloom Color

Pink to purple

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds