Pink-purple ray petals surrounding a raised central cone.
How to recognize it
Pink-purple ray petals surrounding a raised central cone.
Where you may find it in Ontario
Sunny garden beds. Local occurrence depends on habitat, region and season.
Food and ecological role
Nectar and seeds. Every species is part of a larger food web involving plants, insects, birds and mammals.
When to look
Summer to autumn.
Make your backyard more welcoming
Check local nativity and provenance; leave seedheads for birds.
Identification and safety
Use several features, not a single colour or silhouette, to confirm identification. Observe wildlife from a respectful distance; do not handle or feed wild animals. For species-specific photographs and further details, see the reference below.
Further reading: Species identification / reference. Also see Ontario backyard resources.