Echinacea — 13 species

Echinacea is a genus of nine prairie perennials native to North America, best known for bold daisy-like blooms with prominent raised cones — including cultivars such as PowWow Wild Berry coneflower and the narrow-leaf Tennessee coneflower. Plants demand at least six to eight hours of full sun daily and are remarkably drought-tolerant once established, needing only moderate, infrequent watering; well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. According to the ASPCA, all Echinacea species are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a genuinely pet-safe choice for sunny borders.