Plant profile

Purple Coneflower

A prairie classic with long-lasting blooms that feed bees and butterflies through midsummer.

Why it supports pollinators

Purple coneflower offers accessible nectar and pollen for many native bees and butterflies. Its sturdy blooms stay open for weeks, making it a reliable mid-season food source.

Planting tips

Plant in groups of three or more for easy foraging.
Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering.
Leave some seed heads through winter for birds and habitat.

Pollinators supported

Species that benefit from this plant

Orange-belted Bumble Bee

A cold-tolerant bumble bee common in northern regions and critical for early blooms.

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Painted Lady

A wide-ranging butterfly that thrives on nectar-rich meadows and late-summer blooms.

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Rusty-patched Bumble Bee

An endangered native bee that needs diverse, pesticide-free habitat and long bloom seasons.

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Regions

Where this plant is native

Ontario

Mixed forests and meadow habitats with strong spring blooms and long summer seasons.

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Prairies

Grassland ecosystems with hot summers, strong winds, and periodic drought.

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