General Information
Status in Florida: Native (rare, limited to a few Panhandle counties; Florida ecotype is regionally significant)
Native Habitat: Open pine woodlands, prairies, well-drained meadows
Native States: FL (Panhandle), GA, AL, TN, MS, and widespread throughout the central and eastern U.S.
Growing Zones: 4–9
Size at Maturity: 2–4 feet tall, 1.5–2.5 feet wide
Phenology: Winter dormant
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Upright, clumping, herbaceous
Bloom Season: Late spring to early fall
Bloom Color: Purple to pinkish-purple petals with an orange-brown cone
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full
Soil Texture: Sand, loam, well-drained
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Average, dry, drought-tolerant once established
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, prairie plantings, borders
Maintenance Tips: Deadhead to prolong blooming; cut back in late fall or early spring
Considerations: Avoid overwatering or heavy, wet soils; attracts pollinators but not typically browsed by deer
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Moderate
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
Edible: Caution (roots and parts used in traditional medicine, but should only be used with proper identification and knowledge)
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
Historical Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used to support immune health, treat infections, and wounds by Native American tribes
Florida Native Companion Plant: Blazing Star (Liatris spp.), Black-eyed Susan, Coreopsis, Butterfly Milkweed
Wildlife Benefit: Bees, butterflies, seed-eating birds like finches
Caterpillar Host Plant: No