Purple coneflower is a robust perennial with showy purple flowers. It is adaptable to most conditions and tolerant of drought, heat, humidity and poor soils. The long bloom time starts a few weeks after pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida) and lasts a few weeks later. The flowers are very attractive to pollinators and other beneficial insects. The seeds attract songbirds in the fall and winter. The plant is used in herbal medicines. Purple coneflower is a popular plant for home landscaping.