Purple Coneflower

The late Prince would have loved these flowers.  Perhaps they inspired him to write and record Purple Rain.  Silly me.

The native species Echinacea has light purple ray flowers, which droop slightly and resemble petals, and tiny disk flowers, which create the cone-shaped center, from which this plant gets its common name. That central cone creates the very small seeds that are a great fruit source for songbirds. It also attracts bees and butterflies.

The genus name is from the Greek echinos, meaning "hedgehog," an allusion to the spiny, brownish central disk. The flowers of Echinacea species are used to make an extremely popular herbal tea, purported to help strengthen the immune system; an extract is also available in tablet or liquid form in pharmacies and health food stores. Often cultivated, Purple Coneflower is a showy, easily grown garden plant.

Captured from our friends's backyard.  Hope your day is going well.