I don't know, maybe it could be a mutant. However, its very likely that it is phytoplasma infection, more and more commonly seen in echinacea. I wouldn't risk it myself and would destroy the plant, roots and all, and spray insecticide.

I agree that it's a phytoplasmic disease, Aster Yellows. You could send me an email with the image and I'll take a look. But this is a very wide spread disease and common in Coneflowers.

I have one exactly like you describe. It is in a bed with others but this is also the only one that's affectedl I'll pull it out!!

I have emailed a couple of pictures to you, rhizo. I wish I could put them on here because they are so strange. I'll get rid of the plant right away. Can it spread to other plants? I am thinking asters at least, since you called it "asters yellow". Anything else? Is it caused by an insect or growing conditions? Thanks so much for your help and letting me mail the pics to you. And thank you reneecd also.

Could it be some form of fasciation? Looking forward to the pics.

The images clearly indicate Aster Yellows disease. I'll attach a fact sheet with a picture. It's not as good an image as the one garden grace sent me, but there is no mistaking the symptoms.

I've recommended that the plant be culled immediately as there is no cure for this problem...and unfortunately it can affect hundreds of different kinds of plants. ;-( It's spread primarily by leafhoppers from plant to plant.

Understand that just because you have one plant that is infected, you don't need to worry that you may lose your entire garden.

I'd advise anyone worried about Aster Yellows to study up on how to prevent and control leaf hoppers in the garden. That's the primary issue.

Here is a link that might be useful: Aster Yellows on Coneflower