Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea
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| Common Names: |
Purple Coneflower, Narrow-leaved Purple Coneflower, Black Sampson
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| Key Name: |
Coneflower
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| Parts Used: |
Root, leaves, flowers, seeds
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| Sister Plants: |
Rudbeckia spp., Ratibida pinnata, Helianthus spp.
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| Comments: |
Perennial herb vital for pollinators; thrives in prairies and gardens
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Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Perennial (1-5 ft), erect hairy stem, rough lance-shaped leaves, prominent spiny central cone with purple-pink ray flowers (E. purpurea: 2-4 in; E. angustifolia: 1-2 in), daisy-like heads
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| Stem: |
Erect, 1-5 ft, hairy, green to reddish
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| Leaves: |
Lance-shaped, 4-8 inches, rough, dark green
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| Flowers: |
Purple-pink ray flowers with spiny cone, blooming June-August (E. purpurea larger, E. angustifolia narrower)
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| Fruit: |
Dry achenes, 3-4 mm, with bristly pappus
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| Taste: |
Bitter (root), mild (flowers)
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| Odour: |
Mild, earthy scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Thick taproot (E. angustifolia deeper, E. purpurea shallower)
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Central and eastern North America, cultivated worldwide
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| Cultivation: |
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; sow seeds in fall or spring after cold stratification (4-6 weeks at 5°C); space 12-18 inches apart; water moderately until established; tolerates drought
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| Harvest: |
Roots: Fall; Flowers: Summer
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, diaphoretic
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| Medical Uses: |
Used for immune support, colds, flu, infections, inflammation, and mild fever; root for tinctures, flowers for tea
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| Constituents: |
Alkylamides, polysaccharides, flavonoids, essential oils
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| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (tincture)
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| Dosage: |
Tincture: 1-2 mL three times daily; Infusion: 1 tsp dried root in hot water
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| Administration: |
Internal: Tincture or infusion; External: Poultice for wounds
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| Formulas: |
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| Contra Indications: |
May cause allergic reactions; avoid long-term use; consult healthcare provider, especially if allergic to ragweed
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| Preparation: |
Cold stratify seeds 4-6 weeks at 5°C, sow 1/4 inch deep; Tincture: Steep 1 part root in 5 parts alcohol for 2-4 weeks
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for immune support in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
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| Pollinator: |
1
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, butterflies; some self-pollination
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds; key for pollinator gardens
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Ornamental, erosion control, wildlife habitat
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| Culinary Uses: |
Flowers edible in salads, roots rarely consumed
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| History: |
Used by Native Americans for infections; popularized in 19th-century America
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| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Echinacea+purpurea
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| Share: |
Private
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