Purple Coneflower
![A view of the plant](https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.centralparknyc.org/media/images/_500xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/purple-coneflower-l_2020-11-11-202810.jpg)
The purple coneflower is native to mid-western and southeastern United States. This plant grows best in soil of average moisture and in full sun. A hotly hybridized perennial, its blooms can be a variety of colors. It's also a high-quality source of food for wildlife! Plains Indians observed elk consuming the plant when sick or wounded and followed their lead, using it as an herbal medicine.