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Echinacea simulata

Glade Coneflower

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Echinacea simulata (Glade Coneflower)

This purple coneflower is a coarse, hairy, native perennial found primarily on dolomite glades and slopes in Ozark region. It is similar to the more wide-spread Pale-Purple Coneflower, except for the pollen color is yellow on Glade Coneflower and white on Pale Purple Coneflower. Also Glade Coneflower's petals are stiffer than those of Pale Purple Coneflower.

Flowers appear on rigid stems to three feet tall over a long summer bloom. Best flower display is in late June to late July, with sporadic continued bloom into autumn. Good fresh cut or dried flower. The dead flower stems will remain erect well into the winter and, if flower heads are not removed, are often visited by goldfinches who perch on or just below the blackened cones to feed on the seeds.

Additional Information:
Echinacea comes from the Greek word "echinos" meaning hedgehog in reference to the spiny center cone. Simulata appears to refer to the plant's resemblance to or simulation of E. pallida.


Height
24-36 Inches

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Spread
12-24 Inches

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Bloom/Seasonal Color
Purple


USDA Hardiness Zone 5-8

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Deadheading can extend bloom time and help control self-seeding.

Good Companions
Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida), Yellow Coneflower (Echinacea paradoxa), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

UPL

Nature Attracting

Butterfly

Root

Fibrous

Season of Interest

Late (July-frost)
Mid (May-June)

Soil Moisture

Average
Moderate

Special Uses

Fresh Cut Flower

Sun Exposure

Full Sun

USFS MO Ecological Map

Wildlife Benefit

Food/Birds
Butterfly Nectar