Western Coneflower

Western coneflower is a tall, perennial member of the aster family native to moist meadows, riparian areas, and forest openings of western North America. Unlike most coneflowers, it lacks showy ray petals and instead displays prominent, dark purple to nearly black cone-shaped disks surrounded by green, leaflike bracts. Blooming in mid- to late summer, the unusual flower heads provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other insects. The plant’s sturdy stems and coarse foliage can reach over five feet in height, making it a unique specimen in gardens, wetlands, and meadow plant communities, where it contributes to pollinator diversity and habitat resilience.