We have finally found something the deer won't eat.  Well, they do nibble off a few flower heads, but not when they get this far along.  The flower centers are called cones, and are quite prickly.  These coneflowers are a favorite seed source in the fall for the finches.  So we leave them for the birds, until winter when they are picked clean.  
 

We planted these along the front of our house, going down the hill.  They have multiplied profusely, and fill up the whole space between the deck rails and the steps.  They even wrap around the corner.  When they are in full bloom, I'll take another picture to show you.  
 

If you have a good sunny spot, throw down a few seeds, and before you know it, you can be overrun with Echinacea too.  
 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!