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Description
Echinacea Angustifolia is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and is commonly known as the narrow-leaved purple coneflower. It can grow up to 60 cm tall and has a taproot system. Echinacea Angustifolia has gray-green leaves that are long and narrow, and it produces large daisy-like flowers with purple petals and a brown cone-shaped center. The flowers bloom from June to August and can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Echinacea |
Appearance
Echinacea Angustifolia has gray-green leaves that are long and narrow, and it produces large daisy-like flowers with purple petals and a brown cone-shaped center. The flowers bloom from June to August and can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and has a taproot system that can be up to 30 cm long. The stems are sturdy and can be hairy. The leaves are arranged in an alternate pattern on the stem and are up to 20 cm long and 2 cm wide. The flowers can be up to 10 cm in diameter and can have a distinctive fragrance.
Care Guide
Water: Echinacea Angustifolia prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate dry conditions. It is important to water the plant deeply once a week during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization: Echinacea Angustifolia is a low-maintenance plant and does not require regular fertilization. However, adding compost or organic matter to the soil once a year can help promote healthy growth.
Soil: Echinacea Angustifolia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
Sunlight: Echinacea Angustifolia requires full sun to grow and thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but the plant may not produce as many flowers.
Hardiness Zones: Echinacea Angustifolia can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Echinacea Angustifolia is a relatively pest-free plant. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and curl. To prevent powdery mildew, it is important to keep the plant well-ventilated and to avoid overhead watering. The plant can also be susceptible to spider mites and aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Echinacea Angustifolia is native to North America and can be found growing in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. The plant thrives in well-draining soil and requires full sun to grow and produce flowers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Echinacea Angustifolia a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Echinacea Angustifolia has been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat various ailments, including colds, flu, and infections.
Q: Can Echinacea Angustifolia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Echinacea Angustifolia can be grown in containers as long as the pot is large enough to accommodate the taproot system.
Q: How often should I divide Echinacea Angustifolia?
A: Echinacea Angustifolia can be divided every 3 to 4 years to promote healthy growth and prevent overcrowding.
Q: Does Echinacea Angustifolia attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Echinacea Angustifolia produces large daisy-like flowers that can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Echinacea Purpurea
- Echinacea Pallida
- Echinacea Paradoxa
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Echinacea angustifolia. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=283266&isprofile=0&
- The Old Farmer’s Almanac. (n.d.). Coneflowers. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/plant/coneflowers
- University of Illinois Extension. (n.d.). Coneflowers. Retrieved from https://extension.illinois.edu/coneflowers
