Orange coneflower is a profusely blooming midsummer to early fall perennial with orangish-yellow daisylike flowers. The center disks of orange coneflower are spherical to conical and dark purplish-brownish-black. This species performs well in beds, borders, meadows, cottage gardens, native gardens, pollinator gardens, and butterfly gardens.
Size and method of spreading:
At maturity, orange coneflower is 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 2 ½ feet wide. They spread by producing offsets from underground stem structures (rhizomes) and are self-seeding.
Native geographic location and habitat: (include C-value if appropriate)
The native range of orange coneflower includes the Eastern and Central United States.
Attracts birds or pollinators:
Orange coneflower attracts birds, butterflies, and bees.
Leaf description:
The leaves of orange coneflower are between 3 to 6 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide. They are medium green and have shallow teeth along the edges (crenate to serrate margins) with hair on both sides that is stiff and appressed (strigose). The leaves near the base of the plant are tapered at the tip (acute apices) and rounded at the bases for an overall ovate or elliptic shape. As the leaves ascend the stem, the attaching stalks become shorter and the uppermost leaves may be stalkless. They may also become more narrow (lanceolate) as they ascend the stem.
Flower description:
Orange coneflower has daisy-like flowers with orangish-yellow petallike ray flowers and a spherical to conical, dark purplish-brownish-black center of disk flowers. The disk flowers mature in an almost spiral pattern upward from the bottom. The flowerheads are 1 to 3 inches in diameter. Around the base of the flowerheads are layers of leaflike bracts that curve backwards slightly.
Fruit description:
The center of disk flowers produce a spherical to conical head of dry, chocolate brown fruit (achenes).
Plant Care:
Deadheading is recommended to encourage additional blooms and maintain a neat appearance. Good air circulation is beneficial in humid climates. Division may be necessary in ideal conditions. Keep plants moist until established.
List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:
Orange coneflower is not susceptible to major issues with pests and diseases. It is deer and rabbit resistant as well as drought-tolerant.
