Audubon® Yellow Coneflower

Bright egg-yolk-yellow petals and chocolate-brown cones distinguish this delightful, unusual species from the more common Purple Coneflower. Yellow Coneflower sports fragrant, shuttlecock-shaped flowers that nourish our native butterflies and bumblebees. Monarchs and fritillaries are frequent diners. When the flowers are finally spent in late summer, the cones turn black, but they are adorned with bright yellow once again as goldfinches rush in to devour the seeds. In fact, planting Coneflowers is one of the best things you can do to attract goldfinches to your yard. Every year, you’ll look for their rollercoaster flight pattern and listen for their chirpy call.

Yellow Coneflower’s botanical name is Echinacea paradoxa. The “paradox” comes from the fact that its petals are yellow, whereas all other Echinacea species’ flowers are pink. Plant breeders have taken advantage of this quirk by crossing Yellow Coneflower with those other species, creating new hybrids in all sorts of crazy colors. The problem is that hybrids sometimes don’t produce seed, and thus, no treats for the finches. For maximum wildlife benefit, you’ll want to choose the unaltered species, like the Yellow Coneflower, Purple Coneflower, and Pale Purple Coneflower we offer.

In the wild, Yellow Coneflower is quite rare, occurring only in the Ozark region of Missouri and Arkansas. Help this special, uncommon Spirit flourish by planting it in your garden!

We do the hard part. Our trees and plants are grown and cared for by only the best, local growers for years before they find their forever home in your landscape. Bower & Branch is known for having hard-to-find, substantial sizes and selection. The quality of our trees and plants are consistent in health and vigor—always ready for immediate impact in your garden and instant curb appeal. We believe in empowering homeowners with the truth about strong, healthy and structurally sound plants that are grown to perform in the ground after they leave the nursery for home delivery, always fresh inventory from the grower

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

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