Grows on drier, well-drained soils in upland prairie sites, flowering in June and July. At Neale Woods, it is uncommon in the Jonas and Hilltop Prairie restorations. It has not been seen recently at Fontenelle Forest.

Narrow-leaved Purple Coneflower is one of three species found in our Neale Woods prairie restorations and the only one native to our virgin prairies in the area.  Closely related Pale Purple Coneflower (E. pallida), native to prairies just to our east shares many characteristics, but is generally taller with longer, narrower, drooping ray florets and white pollen. A third species known simply as Purple Coneflower (E. purpurea), native to moister prairies far to our east, is the most common species in Neale Woods prairies and is the only one present in the Fontenelle Forest restorations. It has a bushier look with broader, toothed, lance-shaped leaves and showier dark pink to purplish ray florets.

Dinsmore, in his book indicates its importance to Native Americans. He writes that it “seems to have been used as a remedy for more ailments than any other plant” most notably for snake bites and other venomous bites and stings. It has also been widely used by herbalists, touted particularly for its anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting properties.

An alternate common name is Black Samson.