Pale Purple Coneflower - Echinaca pallida *RPBB*

Emblematic of meadows, Pale Purple Coneflower is important for wildlife and attractive in formal gardens. It blooms 2-4 weeks earlier than the more common Purple Coneflower, so extend your bloom season by trying both varieties. It's nectar attracts abundant native bees, including the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee. A larval host, caterpillars of the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly and Wavy-lined Emerald and Eupithecia moths feed on the foliage and seedheads. Its spiky seedheads are decorative in winter and critical winter food for birds, particularly goldfinches. Leave your seedheads! Soil Type: Clay/Loam/Sand Soil Conditions: Average-Dry Flower Color: Lavender Flower time: June-July Height: 3' Light: Sun/Part-Sun Features: Birds, Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Pollinators, Larval Host Credits: Info & Photo courtesy of illinoiswildflowers.info