Coneflower

Question

I have 5 coneflower plants in different locations and they are all affected by the same problem. I started noticing holes in all of the foliage with some of the plants’ foliage disappearing almost completely. Some of the foliage is also withered and blackish gray. I have noticed many very small black catepillars, about a half inch long, on several of the plants. The plants range in age from several years to one year old.

Answer 1

The caterpillars are likely the cause, but which they are I cannot tell without a picture. However, all caterpillars are treated the same. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/prevent-caterpillars.htm