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Native Plant Society of Texas

Sanguine Purple Coneflower

Echinacea sanguinea

Other common name(s):

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

East Central Texas Plains, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Northern Prairie Outliers
Flatwoods, Floodplains and Low Terraces3, Pleistocene Fluvial Terraces, Red River Bottomlands, Southern Tertiary Uplands, Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
2
ft.

Spread

1
to
1.5
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Well Drained, Moist

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Pink, Purple, Brown

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Nectar Insects, Bees

Maintenance

Easy to grow. The, fragrant flowers will be more showy if grown in mass. Dead head if seedlings are not desired, otherwise, leave seeds for wildlife. Can be grown in containers. Deer resistant. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms April-July. Clump forming and tap rooted. Unbranched stems are each topped by one flower. Narrow, hairy leaves grow near the stem base. Graceful, drooping rose-pink to pale purple ray flowers surround the purplish-brown disc flowers that are clustered on a raised cone. Better adapted to East Texas than the purple Echinacea purpurea that is popular across Texas. The fruit is a cypsela: a dry, one-seeded fruit, usually topped by pappus.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Echinacea pallida var. sanguinea

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Echinacea seeds are sown into flats or trays in late winter and placed in an unheated greenhouse for natural stratification in February. After emergence, transplant tap rooted seedlings in deep pots or conetainers to accommodate the growing taproot (Kindscher and Riggs, 2006). These plants should be ready to transplant by May (Cech, 2002). Echinacea seed is hand harvested or direct combined in the fall. Use heavy gloves when hand harvesting seedheads. They are very stiff and pointed; thus, alluding to the Greek word “echinos” which means ‘hedgehog’ (Ajilvsi, 2003). Check to see if seed separates easily from the head. If they do not, seed are probably immature and require a longer ripening period. Avoid seed that shows signs of damage such as insect bore holes, shriveled caryopsis, or light, unfilled hulls which may reduce seed quality. Wartidiningsih and Geneve (1994) found that E. purpurea seeds harvested at physiological maturity, but not dried, had higher germination rates than seed harvested after desiccation. To check for mature seed, mash the seed with your fingernail and examine the seed for a moist endosperm (Kindscher, 2006). After collecting, store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Seeds placed in cold storage should remain viable for approximately 5 years (Foster, 1991). When harvesting with a combine, dry the seed and process using an air screen cleaner equipped with 3 to 4 screens (Wynia and Kaiser, 2009). https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/etpmcpg12258.pdf
Seed Stratification For greenhouse propagation use stratified seed (Wynia and Kaiser, 2009) As previously noted, storing the seed in moist sphagnum peat moss at 320F for one month or presoaking seed for 24 hrs has shown to improve germination. Sow stratified seed into greenhouse flats and cover with 1/8”of soil two months before the last frost free date (Houseal, 2008). Banga and Ardelean (2008) found sanguine purple coneflower exhibited a good seed germination rate when the temperature setting was 680F. Two to three weeks prior to field planting, move transplants from the greenhouse to a protected area outside to acclimate to climatic conditions. Transplant after danger of frost has passed (Houseal, 2008). https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/etpmcpg12258.pdf

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason