The Purple Echinacea is a coneflower that is a sturdy perennial that is native to the Midwest, Southeast and naturalized throughout the Northeast. 
Although all parts of the plant are edible, the leaves and flower buds are most commonly harvested for herbal tea.
One of the most popular wildflowers, the Purple Echinacea is drought tolorant, though it performs best in cooler seasons, without irrigation. This variety readily reseeds itself. It is a truly lovely, trouble-free perennial for the sunny garden!