Description
Echinacea
Botanical Name: Echinacea purpurea
Also called purple coneflower because of the attractive flower heads with purple/pink petals and cone shaped centres. Echinacea is native to North America. It is a herbaceous perennial dying down in winter and shooting back from the roots in spring. Flowers in spring and summer.
E. purpurea usually branched growing up to about 140cm in height, the roots are a mass of rootlets and the leaves are wider and flower heads bigger than E. angustifolia. For medicinal use the leaf and flower should be collected when in full bloom, before the flowers begin to fade. Dig the 2-3 year old roots in Autumn when the aerial parts have died back.
Echinacea boosts the immune system increasing the body’s chances of fighting off almost any disease. It can be used as a preventative at the onset of colds and flu, or to reduce the symptoms and duration of a cold or flu, tonsillitis, bronchitis, hay fever, sinusitis and whooping cough. Combine Echinacea with Golden seal for bringing relief from food poisoning. Echinacea is effective when used internally as well as externally for infections and allergic reactions affecting skin such as boils, impetigo, herpes, eczema, skin ulcers, thrush, athlete’s foot and infected wounds.
Echinacea is a striking addition to the garden and is often grown as an ornamental perfect in a perennial border. The cut flowers keep well in a vase.
Growing Conditions
Echinacea likes well drained soil and is fairly drought tolerant. Grow in sun for best flowering
