Purple coneflower-prefers well-drained, moist loam but is adaptable to various soil types. Grows in full sun or partial shade with just about any sort of soil. It does like good drainage, but moisture levels can vary from moist to occasionally dry. Its flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The adults feed on nectar from red clover, common milkweed, and dogbane.

Host plant for the Wavy-lined Emerald ( Synchlora aerata ) larvae and the Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) larvae which has two broods from May-September.

Songbirds, especially American goldfinches, eat the seeds. Slightly deer resistant.