The plant commonly known as Echinacea, or coneflower, is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) native to central and eastern North America. While the genus contains nine or ten recognized species, the most famous is Echinacea purpurea. This species is so widespread that its pink or purple color is nearly synonymous with the common name. However, the color palette of the entire genus is broad.
The Classic Color Profile
The flower head of the purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea, contains two distinct color zones. The outer, petal-like structures are called ray florets, which are typically a pinkish-purple or lavender hue in the classic species. These sterile ray florets often droop slightly downward, giving the entire flower head a pronounced cone shape.
The central, raised area is the disk floret, which forms the true cone of the coneflower. It is packed with numerous tubular disk florets interspersed with stiff, spiny scales. These central scales typically give the cone a color ranging from dark purplish-brown to reddish-brown. The combination of the lighter, pink-purple rays and the darker, spiny cone creates the recognizable, two-toned look of the traditional coneflower.
Spectrum of Cultivars and Species
The natural variation across the Echinacea genus extends beyond the classic purple. Several species display other colors, such as the pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida) with its lighter pink rays, or the yellow coneflower (Echinacea paradoxa), which is naturally golden yellow. This genetic diversity has provided a foundation for horticultural breeding programs.
Hybridization between species like E. purpurea and E. paradoxa has resulted in a wealth of new color options. Today, cultivars are available with ray florets in shades of white, bright yellow, orange, and even deep red. These modern colors often result from crossing different species to introduce new pigments, such as the coppery-orange petals of the ‘Orange Meadowbrite’ hybrid.
Color and Identification
Flower color can help distinguish Echinacea from other flowering plants in the daisy family, though it is not definitive. For example, the related genus Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susans) is predominantly yellow or orange in its wild forms. A more reliable distinction lies in the central cone. Echinacea possesses a spiky, firm cone that is typically orange, green, or brown, while Rudbeckia species often have a smoother cone that is notably darker, frequently black or very dark brown.
When Echinacea is harvested for use in herbal supplements, the color of the processed material changes depending on the part used. The flowers and leaves dry to a faded version of their fresh color. However, the root, which is often the most potent part used in commercial preparations, is typically a light, pale color.