The Purple Coneflower in Florida: A Botanical Marvel with Multiple Benefits

Bugs That Depend on It

The plant is a nectar source for a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It also serves as a Larval Host Plant for the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly (Chlosyne nycteis), which can still be found with Purple Coneflower near Marianna, Florida. Silvery Checkerspot populations might increase through Florida as Purple Coneflower populations increase.

Seed Germination Instructions

1. Cold-stratify the seeds for about 30 days by placing them in a damp paper towel inside a ziplock bag in the refrigerator.
2. Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in well-drained soil.
3. Water lightly but consistently until germination, which usually occurs in 10-20 days.