A Prairie Coneflower

I have seen photos of large groups of this plant ,but even a close -up of one of the five I have in the Frost Garden is astonishing. From first opening to full bloom its changes are like no coneflower I have ever seen. Its Latin name is Echinacea simulata. Its common – Wavy Leaved coneflower.

The coneflowers have been manipulated and “improved” for decades. Loud colors, doubles and half doubles, even bred into the shape of pincushions.

But this prairie flower is elegant. Not all coneflowers are.

Here is its evolution from first opening to full bloom.