Distinguishing Coneflower from Black-Eyed Susan by Leaf Texture

Can't tell your purple coneflower from black-eyed Susan without flowers? Use the touch test: run leaves between your lips. Black-eyed Susan leaves feel relatively smooth; coneflower leaves are distinctly rough and bristly—hence the scientific name Echinacea purpurea, meaning "spiny purple plant." This tactile difference makes identification easy even without blooms.