Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
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Pure Live Seed
Pure Live Seed
Seed is provided in Pure Live Seed (PLS) unless otherwise stated.
Pure Live Seed (PLS) expresses the viable seed content of a seed lot using its purity and germination or viability test results. It helps you compare seed lots and calculate how much bulk seed is needed to meet a specified PLS planting rate.
PLS weight and bag weight
PLS weight is not the same as the total weight of seed in a bag. For example, a lot with 80% purity and 75% viability contains 60% PLS: 80 × 75 ÷ 100 = 60. Supplying 10 lb PLS from that lot requires about 16.67 lb of bulk seed.
Use the current seed test and the stated basis of the mix specification. Germination calculations may include applicable hard or dormant seed. Seed-count estimates also require the number of seeds per pound; PLS alone does not provide a seed count.
What to check when buying a mix
Check whether each rate is stated in PLS pounds, bulk pounds, or a combination. A mix with both bases should not be described as having an all-PLS total.
PLS does not remove weed seeds or guarantee establishment. Review the seed label and analysis for weed content, and match site preparation, planting conditions and follow-up management to your project.
Sources: USDA NRCS, Understanding Pure Live Seed and The Importance of Seed Quality for Natural Resource Conservation.
Weight Conversions lbs. to oz.
Weight Conversions lbs. to oz.
0.01 pounds = 0.16 ounces
- 0.1 pounds = 1.6 ounces
- 0.25 pounds = 4 ounces
- 0.5 pounds = 8 ounces
- 0.75 pounds = 12 ounces
- 1.00 pounds = 16 ounces
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) has pink-purple petals surrounding a raised, dark central cone. Its summer flowers attract pollinators, and the seedheads can be left standing for birds. It works in sunny borders, prairie gardens, and openings along a woodland edge.
Choose full to partial sun and fertile, well-drained soil that retains some moisture. Established plants tolerate dry spells, but coneflower can wilt in hot sun when the soil becomes very dry. For a site that dries rapidly, improve the moisture supply or choose a species better suited to the existing conditions.
Clumps can enlarge through short rhizomes, and seedlings may appear when seedheads are allowed to mature. Remove spent flowers for a neater bed, or leave some to provide seed. The strong flower stems are useful among grasses, provided those grasses do not eventually crowd or shade the plants.
Plant specifications
Key growing facts
| Sunlight | Full to partial sun |
|---|---|
| Soil moisture | Moist to mesic |
| Height | Up to 3½ ft |
| Bloom season | Mid-summer; some plants bloom again in early fall |
Show / hide ▾Native Landscaping Companion Plants
Build a layered native planting with grasses and sedges as a matrix, ground covers, seasonal flowers, and plants for texture. Explore the full curated Full Sun and Light Shade Tolerant lists below. Match light, soil moisture, mature size, and spreading habit to your site.
Native Landscaping Guide — plan your planting
Hover over a plant name or expand Growing information for details. Short: under 2 ft · Medium: 2 to under 4 ft · Tall: 4 ft or more.
Full Sun
Click the buttons below to expand a list of species.
Grasses & Sedges — Matrix Species
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Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–8 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Green foliage; bronze fall color · Season: Late summer–fall seedheads · Light: Sun · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Very vigorous; can dominate small beds. Best with ample space and strong companions.
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Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–7 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Green foliage; golden-brown seedheads · Season: Late summer–fall seedheads · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Very vigorous; can dominate small beds. Best with ample space and strong companions.
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Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–3 ft (Medium) · Color: Blue-green foliage; copper fall color · Season: Late summer–fall seedheads · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Upright clumps; avoid overly rich or wet soil.
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Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Green foliage; tan seedheads · Season: Late summer–fall seedheads · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Fine-textured clumps; foliage usually 1–2 ft tall.
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Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–2.5 ft (Medium) · Color: Green foliage; tan seedheads · Season: Summer–fall seedheads · Light: Sun · Moisture: Dry · Note: Fine texture with seedheads along one side of the stem.
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Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–6 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Green foliage; airy tan seedheads · Season: Summer–fall seedheads · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Very vigorous; can dominate small beds. Best with ample space and strong companions.
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Tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–4 ft (Short / Medium / Tall) · Color: Green foliage; airy tan seedheads · Season: Summer seedheads · Light: Part sun to part shade · Moisture: Moist · Note: Best in cooler, moist pockets; not a dry-prairie grass.
Ground Covers
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Canada anemone (Anemone canadensis)
Growing information
Height: 9 in–2 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: White · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist · Note: Spreads aggressively by rhizomes; can overwhelm smaller plants.
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Prairie alumroot (Heuchera richardsonii)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Green foliage; greenish-white flowers · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to part shade · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Clump-forming foliage; use light shade rather than deep shade.
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Wild petunia (Ruellia humilis)
Growing information
Height: 6 in–1 ft (Short) · Color: Lavender · Season: Summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to dry · Note: Seed pods burst and fling seed nearby; can self-seed.
Flowers
Spring
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Blue wild indigo (Baptisia australis)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Blue-violet · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average to dry, well-drained · Note: Upright, bushy form; best flowering in sun. Native to parts of the central and eastern U.S.; Chicago-region native status is uncertain.
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Cream wild indigo (Baptisia bracteata)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–2.5 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Cream-yellow · Season: Spring · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Low, bushy form; allow room for its spreading outline.
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Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–5 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: White · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average · Note: Upright flower spikes; blooms bridge spring and summer.
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Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2.5 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Yellow · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: An informal, naturalistic look—best for gardeners who enjoy a wilder style.
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Hairy beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Lavender-purple with pale lips · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to part shade · Moisture: Average to dry, well-drained · Note: Compact; can self-seed without usually spreading aggressively.
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Jacob's ladder (Polemonium reptans)
Growing information
Height: 6 in–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Pale blue · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Average to moist · Note: In prairie-style gardens, use sheltered part-sun pockets; avoid hot, dry exposures.
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Large-flowered beardtongue (Penstemon grandiflorus)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–3.5 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Lavender-pink · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Dry, well-drained · Note: Showy flowers; best in sandy or gravelly soil; can be short-lived.
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Midland shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Pink to white · Season: Late spring · Light: Sun to part shade · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Spring ephemeral; summer dormant.
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Ohio spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Blue-violet · Season: Late spring–midsummer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Flowers bridge spring and summer; foliage may decline after flowering.
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Pale beardtongue (Penstemon pallidus)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2.5 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: White to pale pink · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Fine-textured spring flowers; best in well-drained soil.
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Pasque flower (Pulsatilla patens)
Growing information
Height: 6 in–1 ft (Short) · Color: Lavender-purple · Season: Early spring · Light: Sun · Moisture: Dry, well-drained · Note: Best in dry areas; avoid wet or poorly drained soil. Confirm the supplied subspecies when local nativity is important.
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Prairie phlox (Phlox pilosa)
Growing information
Height: 6 in–1.75 ft (Short) · Color: Pink to lavender · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Low spring color for the front of a planting.
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Prairie smoke (Geum triflorum)
Growing information
Height: 5 in–10 in (Short) · Color: Pink-red flowers; silvery-pink seedheads · Season: Spring · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Low spring accent with feathery seedheads.
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Smooth beardtongue (Penstemon calycosus)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Light violet to purple · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to filtered shade · Moisture: Moist to dry, well-drained · Note: Also called calico or long-sepal beardtongue; adaptable in garden beds.
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Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2.5 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Blue flowers; pink buds · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist · Note: Spring ephemeral; summer dormant. In sunnier gardens, use moisture-retentive soil and shelter from hot afternoon sun.
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Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) — Part sun / partial shade
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Red and yellow · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Part sun / partial shade · Moisture: Moist to dry, well-drained · Note: Use part-sun or lightly shaded pockets in either garden group; seedlings benefit from shelter. Self-seeds into gaps; foliage can decline after flowering.
Summer
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Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2.5 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Yellow with dark centers · Season: Summer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to moderately dry · Note: Usually biennial or short-lived; can renew itself by seed.
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Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2.5 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Orange · Season: Early–midsummer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry, well-drained · Note: Can be finicky in heavy, poorly drained clay; prefers slightly drier conditions.
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Canada anemone (Anemone canadensis)
Growing information
Height: 9 in–2 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: White · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist · Note: Spreads aggressively by rhizomes; can overwhelm smaller plants.
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Common ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Purple · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Sun · Moisture: Moist · Note: Can reach the tall category; use moist pockets.
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Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum)
Growing information
Height: 6 ft–12 ft (Tall) · Color: Yellow · Season: Midsummer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Tall; large divided leaves and towering flower stems.
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Culver's root (Veronicastrum virginicum)
Growing information
Height: 4 ft–7 ft (Tall) · Color: White · Season: Early–midsummer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Tall; slender flower spires for the back of the bed.
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Dense blazing star (Liatris spicata)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–5 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Purple · Season: Mid–late summer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Moist · Note: Also called marsh blazing star; best in moister pockets.
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Dotted blazing star (Liatris punctata)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Purple · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Sun · Moisture: Dry, well-drained · Note: Short, drought-tolerant species; slow to establish.
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Dwarf blazing star (Liatris cylindracea)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Purple · Season: Mid–late summer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Dry · Note: Short; best in dry, well-drained sites.
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Early goldenrod (Solidago juncea)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–3 ft (Medium) · Color: Yellow · Season: Mid–late summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average to slightly dry · Note: Summer-flowering goldenrod; spreads by rhizomes.
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Grass-leaved goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–3.5 ft (Medium) · Color: Yellow · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Sun · Moisture: Wet to normal · Note: Spreads by rhizomes; allow room to expand.
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Hoary vervain (Verbena stricta)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–3.5 ft (Medium) · Color: Purple · Season: Mid–late summer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Upright spikes; favors open, dry sites.
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Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Purple flowers; gray-green foliage · Season: Early–midsummer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Low, bushy form with fine-textured foliage and flower spikes.
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Meadow blazing star (Liatris ligulistylis)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–5 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Purple · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Sun · Moisture: Moist to average, well-drained · Note: Butterfly magnet; height varies with site conditions.
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Missouri ironweed (Vernonia missurica)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–6 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Magenta-purple · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Tall; strong late-season color.
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New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–3.25 ft (Medium) · Color: White · Season: Early–midsummer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average to slightly dry · Note: Compact, bushy shrub form.
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Nodding onion (Allium cernuum)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Pink to pale pink · Season: Summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average, well-drained · Note: Nodding flowerheads; use brighter woodland edges.
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Oxeye sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–5 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Yellow · Season: Summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Tall; also called false sunflower.
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Pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–3 ft (Medium) · Color: Pale pink-purple · Season: Early summer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Slender, drooping petals.
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Prairie blazing star (Liatris pycnostachya)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Purple · Season: Late summer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Tall flower spikes; best in moister prairie pockets.
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Prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–10 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Yellow · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Sun · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Tall flower stems above broad basal leaves.
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Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–5 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Pink-purple · Season: Summer · Light: Sun to part shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Use brighter woodland openings for stronger flowering.
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Purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea)
Growing information
Height: 9 in–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Purple · Season: Early–midsummer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Fine foliage and compact flower spikes.
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Rose milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–6 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Pink · Season: Summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Wet to normal · Note: Also called swamp milkweed; avoid prolonged drought.
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Rough blazing star (Liatris aspera)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–5 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Purple · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Button-like flowers along upright stems.
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Royal catchfly (Silene regia)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Red · Season: Mid–late summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Vivid red—an uncommon flower color in the prairie palette.
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Sand coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Yellow · Season: Early summer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Also called lanceleaf coreopsis; flowering may begin in late spring.
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Savanna blazing star (Liatris scariosa)
Growing information
Height: 2.5 ft–5 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Purple · Season: Late summer–fall · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Butterfly magnet; blooms can extend well into fall.
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Showy black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–3 ft (Medium) · Color: Golden yellow with dark centers · Season: Summer–early fall · Light: Sun · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Spreads by rhizomes; allow space for colonies.
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Slender mountain mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: White · Season: Summer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Fine foliage; spreads by rhizomes.
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Spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Pale yellow flowers; pink-lavender bracts · Season: Summer–early fall · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Best in dry, well-drained areas; showy bracts add color.
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Sweet black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia subtomentosa)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–6 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Yellow with brown centers · Season: Mid–late summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Tall; place toward the back.
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Tall coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–8 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Yellow · Season: Midsummer–early fall · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Tall; place toward the back.
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Virginia mountain mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: White · Season: Midsummer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Spreads by rhizomes; aromatic foliage.
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White prairie clover (Dalea candida)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: White · Season: Early–midsummer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Fine foliage and compact flower spikes.
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Whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata)
Growing information
Height: 6 in–2 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: White · Season: Summer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: A short milkweed; can spread aggressively by rhizomes.
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Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Growing information
Height: 2.5 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Lavender-pink · Season: Midsummer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Can spread aggressively by rhizomes.
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Wild petunia (Ruellia humilis)
Growing information
Height: 6 in–1 ft (Short) · Color: Lavender · Season: Summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to dry · Note: Seed pods burst and fling seed nearby; can self-seed.
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Wild quinine (Parthenium integrifolium)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–3 ft (Medium) · Color: White · Season: Early–midsummer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average · Note: Long-lasting, button-like flower clusters.
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Yellow coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Yellow · Season: Summer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average · Note: An informal, naturalistic look—best for gardeners who enjoy a wilder style.
Fall
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Aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Violet-blue · Season: Fall · Light: Sun · Moisture: Dry, well-drained · Note: Low, rounded form.
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Downy sunflower (Helianthus mollis)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Yellow · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: May spread aggressively by rhizomes.
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Drummond's aster (Symphyotrichum drummondii)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–3.25 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Pale blue to white · Season: Late summer–fall · Light: Part sun · Moisture: Average to slightly dry · Note: Can self-seed aggressively; best at partly shaded edges.
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Heath aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: White · Season: Fall · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Fine foliage and clouds of small flowers.
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New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–6 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Purple to pink · Season: Late summer–fall · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Tall; can spread aggressively, especially by seed.
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Old-field goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis)
Growing information
Height: 6 in–2.5 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Yellow · Season: Fall · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Also called gray goldenrod; relatively low stature.
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Showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Yellow · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average to dry, well-drained · Note: Upright flower plumes; avoid saturated soil.
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Sky-blue aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Pale blue · Season: Late summer–fall · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Airy late-season color.
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Smooth blue aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Blue-violet · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average · Note: Smooth foliage and late-season flowers.
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Stiff goldenrod (Oligoneuron rigidum)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–5 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Yellow · Season: Late summer–fall · Light: Sun · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Stiff stems and broad flower clusters.
Texture
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Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–8 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Green foliage; bronze fall color · Season: Late summer–fall seedheads · Light: Sun · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Very vigorous; can dominate small beds. Best with ample space and strong companions.
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Blue wild indigo (Baptisia australis)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Blue-violet · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average to dry, well-drained · Note: Upright, bushy form; best flowering in sun. Native to parts of the central and eastern U.S.; Chicago-region native status is uncertain.
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Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum)
Growing information
Height: 6 ft–12 ft (Tall) · Color: Yellow · Season: Midsummer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Tall; large divided leaves and towering flower stems.
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Cream wild indigo (Baptisia bracteata)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–2.5 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Cream-yellow · Season: Spring · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Low, bushy form; allow room for its spreading outline.
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Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–7 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Green foliage; golden-brown seedheads · Season: Late summer–fall seedheads · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Very vigorous; can dominate small beds. Best with ample space and strong companions.
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Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Purple flowers; gray-green foliage · Season: Early–midsummer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Low, bushy form with fine-textured foliage and flower spikes.
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Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–3 ft (Medium) · Color: Blue-green foliage; copper fall color · Season: Late summer–fall seedheads · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Upright clumps; avoid overly rich or wet soil.
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New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–3.25 ft (Medium) · Color: White · Season: Early–midsummer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average to slightly dry · Note: Compact, bushy shrub form.
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Nodding onion (Allium cernuum)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Pink to pale pink · Season: Summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average, well-drained · Note: Nodding flowerheads; use brighter woodland edges.
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Prairie alumroot (Heuchera richardsonii)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Green foliage; greenish-white flowers · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to part shade · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Clump-forming foliage; use light shade rather than deep shade.
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Prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–10 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Yellow · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Sun · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Tall flower stems above broad basal leaves.
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Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Green foliage; tan seedheads · Season: Late summer–fall seedheads · Light: Sun · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Fine-textured clumps; foliage usually 1–2 ft tall.
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Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–5 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Blue-green foliage; white flowerheads · Season: Mid–late summer · Light: Sun · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Bold, sword-like foliage and rounded flowerheads.
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River oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–4 ft (Short / Medium / Tall) · Color: Green seedheads, aging bronze · Season: Summer–fall seedheads · Light: Part sun to part shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Can spread aggressively, especially by seed; ornamental hanging seedheads.
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Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–2.5 ft (Medium) · Color: Green foliage; tan seedheads · Season: Summer–fall seedheads · Light: Sun · Moisture: Dry · Note: Fine texture with seedheads along one side of the stem.
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Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–6 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Green foliage; airy tan seedheads · Season: Summer–fall seedheads · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Very vigorous; can dominate small beds. Best with ample space and strong companions.
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Tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–4 ft (Short / Medium / Tall) · Color: Green foliage; airy tan seedheads · Season: Summer seedheads · Light: Part sun to part shade · Moisture: Moist · Note: Best in cooler, moist pockets; not a dry-prairie grass.
Light Shade Tolerant
Click the buttons below to expand a list of species.
Grasses & Sedges — Matrix Species
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Curly-styled wood sedge (Carex rosea)
Growing information
Height: 8 in–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Green foliage; subtle green flowers · Season: Spring · Light: Sun to shade · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Fine-textured clumps; height varies with growing conditions.
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James's sedge (Carex jamesii)
Growing information
Height: 3 in–1 ft (Short) · Color: Green foliage; subtle green flowers · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade to shade · Moisture: Average · Note: Fine-textured, low clumps.
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Palm sedge (Carex muskingumensis)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–3 ft (Medium) · Color: Green foliage; tan seedheads · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Part sun to part shade · Moisture: Wet to moist · Note: Best in moist pockets; distinctive palm-like foliage.
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Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
Growing information
Height: 6 in–1.25 ft (Short) · Color: Green foliage; subtle tan flowers · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Plant in broad drifts; weave seasonal flowers through the sedge.
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Radiate sedge (Carex radiata)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Green foliage; subtle green flowers · Season: Late spring · Light: Part shade to shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Clump-forming matrix for moister woodland pockets.
Ground Covers
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Big-leaved aster (Eurybia macrophylla)
Growing information
Height: 2.5 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Pale lavender to white · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Spreads by rhizomes; broad foliage forms colonies.
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Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Green foliage; white flowers · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Can spread aggressively by rhizomes; foliage may go dormant in summer.
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Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
Growing information
Height: 6 in–1.25 ft (Short) · Color: Green foliage; subtle tan flowers · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Plant in broad drifts; weave seasonal flowers through the sedge.
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Prairie alumroot (Heuchera richardsonii)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Green foliage; greenish-white flowers · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to part shade · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Clump-forming foliage; use light shade rather than deep shade.
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Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Green foliage · Season: Foliage interest · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Wet to moist · Note: Can spread aggressively by rhizomes.
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Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)
Growing information
Height: 2 in–8 in (Short) · Color: Green foliage; hidden maroon flowers · Season: Spring · Light: Shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Spreads by rhizomes to form a leafy ground cover.
Flowers
Spring
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Bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Yellow · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade to shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Arching stems and nodding flowers.
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Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Growing information
Height: 3 in–1 ft (Short) · Color: White · Season: Early spring · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Average · Note: Early spring accent; foliage may go dormant in summer.
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Celandine poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Yellow · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Can self-seed where conditions suit it.
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Jacob's ladder (Polemonium reptans)
Growing information
Height: 6 in–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Pale blue · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Average to moist · Note: In prairie-style gardens, use sheltered part-sun pockets; avoid hot, dry exposures.
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Midland shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Pink to white · Season: Late spring · Light: Sun to part shade · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Spring ephemeral; summer dormant.
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Prairie trillium (Trillium recurvatum)
Growing information
Height: 6 in–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Maroon · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade to shade · Moisture: Average, well-drained · Note: Woodland plant despite its common name.
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Sharp-lobed hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba)
Growing information
Height: 3 in–6 in (Short) · Color: White, pink or lavender · Season: Early spring · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist, well-drained · Note: Low spring accent.
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Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2.5 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Blue flowers; pink buds · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist · Note: Spring ephemeral; summer dormant. In sunnier gardens, use moisture-retentive soil and shelter from hot afternoon sun.
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White trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)
Growing information
Height: 9 in–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: White, aging pink · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade to shade · Moisture: Moist, well-drained · Note: Spring woodland accent; allow foliage to die back naturally.
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Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) — Part sun / partial shade
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Red and yellow · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Part sun / partial shade · Moisture: Moist to dry, well-drained · Note: Use part-sun or lightly shaded pockets in either garden group; seedlings benefit from shelter. Self-seeds into gaps; foliage can decline after flowering.
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Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2.5 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Pink to lavender · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Rounded foliage and spring flowers.
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Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata)
Growing information
Height: 10 in–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Blue to lavender · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist, well-drained · Note: Low spring color between taller plants.
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Yellow trillium (Trillium luteum)
Growing information
Height: 8 in–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Yellow · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade to shade · Moisture: Moist, well-drained · Note: Summer dormant. Native to the southeastern U.S.; not a Chicago-region native.
Summer
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American bellflower (Campanula americana)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–6 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Blue · Season: Midsummer–early fall · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Tall; biennial that can renew itself by seed.
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Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–5 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Lavender-purple · Season: Summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average to dry, well-drained · Note: Use brighter woodland edges; can self-seed.
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Blue wild indigo (Baptisia australis)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Blue-violet · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average to dry, well-drained · Note: Upright, bushy form; best flowering in sun. Native to parts of the central and eastern U.S.; Chicago-region native status is uncertain.
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Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–3.5 ft (Medium) · Color: Red · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Sun to part shade · Moisture: Wet to moist · Note: Needs consistent moisture; vivid red flowers.
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Great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–4 ft (Short / Medium / Tall) · Color: Blue · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Part sun to part shade · Moisture: Wet to moist · Note: Needs consistent moisture.
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Hairy wood mint (Blephilia hirsuta)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: White to pale lavender · Season: Summer · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Airy flowers for the woodland border.
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Nodding onion (Allium cernuum)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Pink to pale pink · Season: Summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average, well-drained · Note: Nodding flowerheads; use brighter woodland edges.
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Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–5 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Pink-purple · Season: Summer · Light: Sun to part shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Use brighter woodland openings for stronger flowering.
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Purple milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Purple-pink · Season: Early summer · Light: Part sun to light shade · Moisture: Average · Note: Best in bright woodland or savanna openings.
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Starry campion (Silene stellata)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2.5 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: White · Season: Mid–late summer · Light: Part sun to part shade · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Fringed petals add fine detail.
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Sweet Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–7 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Pink-purple · Season: Midsummer–early fall · Light: Part sun to part shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Tall; place toward the back.
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Tall thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2.5 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: White · Season: Early–midsummer · Light: Sun to part shade · Moisture: Average, well-drained · Note: Understated flowers and distinctive seedheads.
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Woodland sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus)
Growing information
Height: 2.5 ft–6 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Yellow · Season: Summer–early fall · Light: Part sun to part shade · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Can spread aggressively by rhizomes.
Fall
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Big-leaved aster (Eurybia macrophylla)
Growing information
Height: 2.5 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Pale lavender to white · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Spreads by rhizomes; broad foliage forms colonies.
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Blue wood aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Pale blue · Season: Late summer–fall · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Airy fall flowers for woodland edges.
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Blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Yellow · Season: Late summer–fall · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Average to slightly dry · Note: Arching stems with clusters of yellow flowers.
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Calico aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: White with changing yellow to purple centers · Season: Late summer–fall · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Can self-seed aggressively.
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Drummond's aster (Symphyotrichum drummondii)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–3.25 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Pale blue to white · Season: Late summer–fall · Light: Part sun · Moisture: Average to slightly dry · Note: Can self-seed aggressively; best at partly shaded edges.
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Elm-leaved goldenrod (Solidago ulmifolia)
Growing information
Height: 1.25 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Yellow · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Part sun to part shade · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Woodland-edge fall color.
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Short's aster (Symphyotrichum shortii)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–3.5 ft (Medium) · Color: Violet-blue · Season: Late summer–fall · Light: Part sun · Moisture: Average to slightly dry · Note: Late color for open woodland.
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Zigzag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–3 ft (Medium) · Color: Yellow · Season: Late summer–early fall · Light: Part shade to shade · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Spreads by rhizomes; allow room to expand.
Texture
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Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–7 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: White · Season: Early–midsummer · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Tall flower spires; place toward the back.
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Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Blue-green foliage; subtle yellow-green to brown-purple flowers · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Average · Note: Upright foliage and blue fruit provide texture.
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Blue wild indigo (Baptisia australis)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Blue-violet · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to part sun · Moisture: Average to dry, well-drained · Note: Upright, bushy form; best flowering in sun. Native to parts of the central and eastern U.S.; Chicago-region native status is uncertain.
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Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–2.5 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Evergreen foliage · Season: Foliage interest · Light: Part shade to shade · Moisture: Average to slightly dry · Note: Evergreen texture; needs good drainage.
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Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Green foliage; cinnamon-brown fertile fronds · Season: Foliage interest · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Wet to moist · Note: Best in consistently moist pockets.
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Curly-styled wood sedge (Carex rosea)
Growing information
Height: 8 in–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Green foliage; subtle green flowers · Season: Spring · Light: Sun to shade · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Fine-textured clumps; height varies with growing conditions.
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False Solomon's seal (Maianthemum racemosum)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–2.5 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: White · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Arching foliage; useful between low and tall layers.
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Interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–4 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Green foliage; brown fertile segments · Season: Foliage interest · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Upright, architectural fronds.
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Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Green and purple-brown flower hood · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade to shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Bold foliage and distinctive flower form.
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James's sedge (Carex jamesii)
Growing information
Height: 3 in–1 ft (Short) · Color: Green foliage; subtle green flowers · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade to shade · Moisture: Average · Note: Fine-textured, low clumps.
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Marginal wood fern (Dryopteris marginalis)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Evergreen foliage · Season: Foliage interest · Light: Part shade to shade · Moisture: Average, well-drained · Note: Evergreen texture; use sheltered, well-drained woodland sites.
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Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Green foliage; white flowers · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Moist to slightly dry · Note: Can spread aggressively by rhizomes; foliage may go dormant in summer.
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Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–5 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Green foliage · Season: Foliage interest · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Wet to moist · Note: Can spread aggressively by rhizomes; allow room for colonies.
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Palm sedge (Carex muskingumensis)
Growing information
Height: 2 ft–3 ft (Medium) · Color: Green foliage; tan seedheads · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Part sun to part shade · Moisture: Wet to moist · Note: Best in moist pockets; distinctive palm-like foliage.
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Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
Growing information
Height: 6 in–1.25 ft (Short) · Color: Green foliage; subtle tan flowers · Season: Spring · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Plant in broad drifts; weave seasonal flowers through the sedge.
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Prairie alumroot (Heuchera richardsonii)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–2 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Green foliage; greenish-white flowers · Season: Late spring–early summer · Light: Sun to part shade · Moisture: Average to dry · Note: Clump-forming foliage; use light shade rather than deep shade.
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Radiate sedge (Carex radiata)
Growing information
Height: 1 ft–1.5 ft (Short) · Color: Green foliage; subtle green flowers · Season: Late spring · Light: Part shade to shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Clump-forming matrix for moister woodland pockets.
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River oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–4 ft (Short / Medium / Tall) · Color: Green seedheads, aging bronze · Season: Summer–fall seedheads · Light: Part sun to part shade · Moisture: Moist to average · Note: Can spread aggressively, especially by seed; ornamental hanging seedheads.
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Royal fern (Osmunda regalis)
Growing information
Height: 3 ft–5 ft (Medium / Tall) · Color: Green foliage · Season: Foliage interest · Light: Part shade to shade · Moisture: Wet to moist · Note: Tall, open fronds; avoid dry sites.
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Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis)
Growing information
Height: 1.5 ft–3 ft (Short / Medium) · Color: Green foliage · Season: Foliage interest · Light: Part shade · Moisture: Wet to moist · Note: Can spread aggressively by rhizomes.
Show / hide ▾Growing & planting details
| Growth habit | Can form small, dense colonies through short rhizomes |
|---|---|
| Root form | Fibrous roots; Rhizomes |
| Soil pH | Published cultivation guidance lists neutral soil conditions; no optimal numeric interval is established. |
| Cultivation hardiness zones | Zones 3a–8b (general cultivation guidance) |
| Drought tolerance | Some drought resistance, but plants can wilt as soil dries, especially in strong sun |
| Deer browsing | Deer resistance reported in cultivation guidance; browsing remains possible. |
| Salt tolerance | Salt tolerance reported in cultivation guidance; dose and exposure route are not specified. |
Plant identification & seed reference
| Botanical name | Echinacea purpurea |
|---|---|
| Other common names | purple coneflower; Coneflower; Eastern Purple Coneflower; Purple Coneflower; Purple Rudbeckia |
| Seed germination | USDA lists cold stratification as required; duration is not specified. |
| Plant family | Asteraceae |
| Seeds per pound — reference estimate | 105600 clean seeds/lb (species reference average; seed lots vary). USDA NRCS Iowa Native Seed Calculator (2024), species reference table, PDF p. 19; 6600 seeds/oz × 16; https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/api/CPSFile/47969/Native_Seeding_Calculator_2024 |
Plant characteristics
This plant is an extremely popular ornamental because of its deep pink flowers and erect nature. Also, a food source for yellow finches and nectar source for many butterflies.
- Flower Color Purple
- Flower Time June-August
- Wetland Status UPL
Show / hide ▾Native range & C-value
State nativity describes a broad range. Use the Chicago-region assessment for local context; a state listing does not establish county nativity.
| Wetland indicator — Corps Chicago 2017 table | UPL |
|---|---|
| C-value — Chicago region, Flora 2017 | 10 |
| Chicago-region native — Flora 2017 | Yes |
| Native range — U.S. states | Alabama; Arkansas; Colorado; Florida; Georgia; Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Michigan; Mississippi; Missouri; New York; North Carolina; Ohio; Oklahoma; Pennsylvania; South Carolina; Tennessee; Texas; Virginia; Wisconsin |
| County nativity | Not yet verified; occurrence records do not establish nativity. |
Show / hide ▾Pollinators & wildlife
Bees & other flower visitors
USGS observations recorded the following insects visiting flowers of this plant in Minnesota, North Dakota. The records describe visits, without distinguishing pollen collection from nectar feeding or measuring successful pollination. They do not establish local occurrence, exclusive dependence, or a larval-host relationship.
Bees
- Apis mellifera (honey bee) — Minnesota, North Dakota; 2015.
- Bombus griseocollis — Minnesota, North Dakota; 2016.
- Bombus sp. (genus only) — Minnesota, North Dakota; 2016.
- Ceratina sp. (genus only) — North Dakota; 2016.
Other flower visitors
- Epicauta sp. (genus only) — North Dakota; 2015.
Other insect & wildlife relationships
Caterpillars this plant can feed
Silvery Checkerspot; Wavy-lined Emerald.
- Flower visits: Bees and butterflies visit the flowers.
- Seed and nesting: American goldfinches and other songbirds eat the seeds; stem-nesting bees use dead stems.
Additional published species records; Illinois insect occurrence is not established by this account. These records do not guarantee that every insect occurs at your planting site.
Show / hide ▾Frequently asked questions
What are the ideal growing conditions for Purple Coneflower?
Light: Full to partial sun. Soil moisture: Moist to mesic.
How do I germinate and establish Purple Coneflower from seed?
USDA lists cold stratification as required; duration is not specified.
Is Purple Coneflower deer and herbivore resistant?
Deer resistance reported in cultivation guidance; browsing remains possible. Even plants described as resistant may be browsed. Use physical protection where deer damage is a concern.
When should I expect Purple Coneflower to bloom?
Typical flowering period: Mid-summer; some plants bloom again in early fall. Timing varies with location and weather.
Show / hide ▾Sources & ecological notes
Native range & ecological ratings: Flora of the Chicago Region (2017), via Universal FQA; USACE Chicago FQA (2017); Kew WCVP / Plants of the World Online.
Growing conditions & other references: Illinois Wildflowers, John Hilty; USDA NRCS PLANTS; NC State Extension Plant Toolbox.
Wildlife records: USGS Pollinator Library.
Native range does not identify the origin of the seed or plants offered. Community and wildlife records apply to the locations and conditions described.
Research notes & credits
USACE/ERDC fqadata — Chicago Region FQA 2017. Herman, B., Sliwinski, R. & Whitaker, S. (2017), Chicago Region FQA Calculator; distributed by USACE/ERDC in fqadata under CC0. Values may differ from Flora of the Chicago Region (2017). CC0 dedication.
Range data: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; 4 June 2026 release, accessed 7 September 2026. © The Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. CC BY 3.0; selected and reformatted. Kew cannot warrant the quality or accuracy of these data. This use has no Kew endorsement.
Flora rating attribution: Kenneth Johnson (2018), Flora of the Chicago Region UFQA Database, following Gerould Wilhelm and Laura Rericha (2017), Flora of the Chicago Region: A Floristic and Ecological Synthesis. Individual rating facts are presented with original commentary; the calculator’s software license is not treated as a license for the underlying Flora publication.
Growing guidance: Illinois Extension — Keeping deer out of the yard and garden. Selected facts in original wording. General deer advice is not a species resistance rating.
Plant Shipping & Care
Plant Shipping & Care
We want to ensure that our customers get what they want, a native backyard oasis. To do that, we need to follow a few simple guidelines and give you some information and pointers to make sure you get your plants delivered in a healthy state.
As a reminder, you will receive an email to confirm your pickup or shipping window just before the plants are ready. See Order Fulfillment below for seasonal fulfillment windows.
Choices to Receive Your Plants & Accessories
- Website orders: Seed, plugs and bare-root plants offered for shipping are shipped to your address. Shipping charges are calculated at checkout.
- Container trees and shrubs: Some #3 and #5 container options are offered for scheduled pickup only. Check the selected product option and the cart pickup instructions before ordering. Pickup and shipped items require separate orders where indicated in the cart.
- Wholesale orders: Delivery and pickup are arranged separately according to the order, supplier yard and location. Wholesale pickup is free.
- Pickup locations and dates are confirmed by email. Please wait for confirmation before traveling to a pickup site. Our offices are not retail stores or nursery pickup locations.
Order Fulfilment - When Your Plants or Other Items Will Be Ready
We take orders all year long and seed is shipped all year, but we only provide the plants to you in certain fulfillment windows to ensure healthy plants.
Wholesale Orders
- Shipped or are Ready For Pick Up As Requested.
Retail & Website Orders
- Seed Typically Ships Out Within One Week Of Order All Year Long
- Typically, single species flats ship when ready, sometimes as soon as early to mid-April (depends on weather) through early-October.
- Mixed species kits are batched and shipped as indicated on the product page.
- If a plant order is placed while outside of the plant fulfillment window your plants will be reserved through your payment, however, the order will not be fulfilled and shipped until the following spring. We don't want to provide you plants when they won't be happy during the cold winter months.
- Early in the spring and later in the fall certain species may be dormant or partially dormant with brown leaves, however they will return to grow healthy next growing season.
- Your order may arrive in several different shipments.
- If certain plants within an order will not be available until a later date, we may choose to hold the full order until all are ready. In certain circumstances, we may choose to send them in two separate shipments
- Fulfillment is always dependent upon plant availability. We try our best but sometimes plants do not overwinter well and perish. If a plant is on back order you will receive an email indicating the estimated shipping date. If we can not provide the plant we will first notify you and give you an option of substitution or a refund of that individual species.
- Plants are typically only packaged and shipped on Mondays to ensure they do not sit in the harsh delivery facility for extended periods of time over the weekend. You will receive a confirmation email once your delivery has been shipped and to estimate your delivery date.
- Apparel & accessories are ready typically within one to two weeks. See product page for holiday shipping.
Where We Ship
What to Expect When Receiving Your Delivery
- Your plants will be packaged with the utmost care
- We will need to cut back certain plants prior to shipping. This seems counter-intuitive, however, the fewer leaves the less water the plants can lose during shipping, resulting in healthier plants for you. This also enables the plants to fit within the protective packaging and shipped safely.
Shipments
- Larger plant shipments will look similar to the picture below with a tray of your plants and a cardboard box to protect them during shipping.
What to Do With Your Plants After Receiving Your Delivery
- Unpack your order IMMEDIATELY
- Inspect for damage and report any issues immediately to Natives@NaturalCommunities.net
- Water your plants
- Install your plants as quickly as possible and water the entire garden area thoroughly
- If you cannot install your plants immediately
- Some plants may not be in a container, put them into some kind of a container such as a paper cup with loose soil until installation
- Make sure each plant is receiving the appropriate amount of light.
- Continue to water daily each morning and possibly again in the afternoon
- No additional fertilizer is needed
Seed Shipping & Care
Seed Shipping & Care
Seed ships all year and typically ships within a week of an order being placed.
We have attempted to put together some basic information regarding native seed installation, establishment, and maintenance. We hope you find it helpful. If you need further assistance on native seed establishment, please schedule a free consolation call here.
Consultation Services
Ecosystem Restoration Considerations
Native Seed Establishment Best Management Practices
Native Seed Stratification Best Management Practices
Solving a Site Problem? Get Expert Advice + Get Store Credit
Whether you're fighting severe erosion, replacing invasive species, designing a pollinator haven, or seeding large acreage, choosing the wrong species wastes time and money. Talk 1-on-1 with a restoration ecologist to map out the exact species, plug counts, or seed mixes for your soil and goals. Book a consultation and get all or a portion credited directly back to your order.