Category Archives: Asteraceae

Echinacea purpurea, purple coneflower

Family: Asteraceae

Description:

This member of the aster family has recognizable blooms of soft, purple or pink ray petals extending from a central cluster of orange composite flowers. Flowers are in bloom for several months, after which the central head will persist until the flower dies in winter. Echinacea purpurea takes 1-2 years to grow 40 cm across, expanding laterally. Typically it will start to decline in the second or third year of growth. It is a self-seeder, making for a predictable return each year.

Growing conditions:

Echinacea purpurea requires dry, well-drained soil and cannot tolerate shade or excess moisture.

Suitable uses:

This is an ideal plant for hot, dry location. It is low maintenance and drought tolerant, allowing for flowering interest in an institutional setting. It is useful for attracting bees and butterflies as well as provides food over winter for small birds, if seed heads are not removed.

CC Image courtesy of F. D. Richards on Flickr

CC Image courtesy of john shortland on Flickr

Helianthus annuus, annual sunflower

Family: Asteraceae

Description

This annual is unusual for its vigorous growth. Growing 2-3m in height, this species is easily recognizable for large ray florets on towering stalks with broad, dark green leaves. Flowers range in color from bright yellow to rusty red. There are many different varieties with some only reaching waist height.  This species’ pollen is known to provide health benefits to bees.

Growing conditions:

This species is easy to grow and has incredibly deep taproots that can find moisture, even in drought, when planted in deep soil.

Suitable uses:

This species is not cultivated for seeds, but rather for its ornamental and ecological value. Not only does this annual benefit bee species, but also provides the preferred food for many beautiful birds. While the form can be difficult to design with, it can offer a whimsical presence.  Children in particular love this species, making this a good option for a playground or community garden. Helianthus annuus is also ideal in a tall grass prairie.

CC Image courtesy of Oregon State University on Flickr

CC Image courtesy of Mathesont on Flickr

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii, orange coneflower

Family: Asteraceae

Description:

This herbaceous perennial is notable for a profusion of flowers that persist for 3 or more months. Flowers are typical of the aster family, with yellow-orange ray florets extending from a dark brown head of composite florets. Flowers are borne on stems reaching 75-80cm in height that sit above dark green foliage. This is a clump forming species and spreads aggressively. It is both rhizomatous and self-seeding, flowering in the first year from seed.

Growing conditions:

Rudbeckia fulgida grows best in open sunny locations with access to some moisture. It is quite tough and tolerant of foot traffic.

Suitable uses:

As an aggressive spreading species, Rudbeckia fulgida is often used in mass plantings. Its resilient disposition allows it to work well in high traffic locations, such as a playground. The long blooming period makes for both a striking summer floral display and attracts a variety of pollinators.

CC Image courtesy of Carl Lewis on Flickr

           CC Image courtesy of              Peter Corbett on Flickr

Achillea filipendulina, gold plate yarrow

Family: Asteraceae

Description:

This member of the aster family is recognizable for large, flat panicles of densely clustered yellow flowers.  This form attracts a broad range of pollinators and beneficial insects. Foliage is often silvery grey or dull green and stems can reach 1 m in height. This herbaceous perennial will self-sow encouraging vigorous growth.

Growing conditions:

Achillea filipendulina is tolerant of most soil conditions, but prefers dry soil with abundant sun. It is extremely heat and drought tolerant. In these conditions, Achillea filipendulina can be quite aggressive and regular maintenance may to required to contain this plant from taking over.

Suitable uses:

This species is suitable for a dry meadow. It’s drought tolerance makes it ideal next to parking lot where it can withstand reflected heat.

CC Image courtesy of Amy on Flickr

CC Image courtesy of proteinbiochemist on Flickr

Santolina chamaecyparissus, cotton lavender

Family: Asteraceae

Description:

Slightly disorganized mounds of gray foliage sport a profusion of yellow composite flowers. The characteristic disk-shaped flowers do not have any rays and are irregular in size. This evergreen sub-shrub remains relatively low to the ground, not exceeding 50 cm. Foliage is aromatic

Growing conditions:

Santolina chamaecyparissus is best grown in dry, well-drained soil in a sunny location.

Suitable uses:

This mounding shrub is useful as an evergreen ground layer. Planting on a slope can both aid with drainage and prevent the mounding form from splitting. Planted with other mounding shrubs, such as hebes, can provide a nice formal echo. Alternatively, Santolina chamaecyparissus can be used for hedging, though this will inhibit summer floral displays.

           CC Image courtesy              jimmy thomas on Flickr

             CC Image courtesy of                   Andrey Zharkikh on Flickr

Centaurea cyanus,corn flower

Family: Asteraceae

Description:

Azure blue flowers sit atop grey-green branched stems. Delicate, fan shaped petals extend from a cluster of central filaments. Bracts have a pronounced black edge. This species is known to grow within fields of wheat, flour or oats. As a hardy annual, Centearuea cyanus will die within one season, but will typically self-seed and re-sprout the following year. Flowering season lasts throughout the summer.

Growing conditions:

This plant prefers dry sunny locations and will not tolerate wet sites.

Suitable uses:

Centaurea cyanus works well in a wildflower mixture and can compete fairly well with grasses. In dryer climates it is known to be weedy, but is not a problem in the Vancouver area. The beautiful inflorescence contrasts nicely with orange.

CC Image courtesy of Björn S… on Flickr

     CC Image courtesy of         Sebastian Rittau on Flickr