Bush's Coneflower

Bush’s Coneflower (*Echinacea paradoxa*) is an upright native perennial with yellow ray flowers around a dark central cone. It flowers in early summer and can reach about 3 feet tall, with a typical spread of 1–1.5 feet. The long taproot helps it persist through dry periods once established. ## Native garden use North Carolina Extension places this species in the central United States from Missouri south to Texas and also calls it Ozark Coneflower and Yellow Coneflower. Its early-summer flowers brighten meadows, prairies, and naturalized plantings, while the seed heads feed finches later in the season. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers. The extension profile lists USDA Zones 3–9 and recommends planting it in small groups. ## Siting and soil Give it full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil; the species tolerates clay, loam, or sand. Its deep taproot helps it survive drought, but the stems can lean or flop, so place it among sturdy neighbors or plan to stake it where needed. [North Carolina Extension Plant Toolbox: *Echinacea paradoxa*](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/echinacea-paradoxa/) ## Maintenance Water while plants establish, then reduce supplemental irrigation during dry spells. Divide mature clumps when they become crowded and allow some seed heads to remain for birds. Check foliage for occasional Japanese beetles or leaf spot, the problems noted by North Carolina Extension.