Names:

Echinacea purpurea, echinacea pallida, echinacea paradoxa, echinacea laevigata, coneflower, purple coneflower,

Description:

Echinacea is a wild herb that is native to North America. It is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. There are nine wild species of echinacea, also known as coneflower. There are other varieties of echinacea those tend to be hybrids that were created by the horticultural industry. With large, showy heads this flower blooms in the summer typically in dry prairies and open wooded areas. The most common name known for echinacea is, coneflower. Stems are tall and smooth. Leaves are rough and scattered becoming smaller at the top of the stem. Echinacea uses include herbal teas, liquid extracts, and tablet forms. Studies have shown that echinacea helps to stimulate immune cells and prevent inflammation. This herb has been used for centuries by Native American tribes as a folk medicine, but was also used by early European settlers. It later became a popular medicinal herb throughout the United States in the late 19th century. Though the use of echinacea decline in the United States after the introduction of antibiotics. Leaves, flowers, and roots are used in extracts, tinctures, capsules, and teas. Seeds are also used in extracts, teas, tinctures, and capsules but are also used for planting more plants next season. Attracts butterflies and other pollinators,

Cultivation:

Echinacea needs at least 4 hours of sunlight. In cooler climates they grow best in full sun and in hotter climates they can tolerate partial afternoon shade. Can tolerate poor, rocky soil but prefers sandy. well-drained loam with compost when planted. Best planted in spring or the fall. Propagation can be done by seed, division, or cutting. Collect seeds from spent flower heads in the fall after they have dried but before they fall from the plant. Sow seeds directly into the garden in the fall so they have a stratification period. You can start them indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost and then transplanted into the garden. Seeds are best used within a year of harvest but can be viable for at least 7 years. Division propagation can be done by digging up a mature plant in the spring or fall while in its dormant phase, After digging it up you will separate the root ball into smaller sections and replant into its new location or give as a gift. For cutting propagation take a 4-6 inch stem cutting from the plant, dip into rooting hormones, and then plant into a pot of moist soil or potting mix. Keep warm and in a bright location until it roots. Once rooted it can be planted into its new home or giving to a friend. Harvesting comes at different time because it depends on what you are harvesting. Harvesting flowers is best done with in full bloom, mid-morning after the morning dew has dried. Seedhead can be harvested when the flowers are spend and the seedheads have dried and brown but before they drop so they don't germinate or become exposed to moisture. Roots need to wait until the fall after the first hard frost so the plant is dormant. It is also best to wait until the 2nd year so the plant has time to mature giving good yield.

Light requirements:

Full Sun to partial sun. (Needs at least 4 hours of sunlight each day)

Soil requirements:

Well draining soil. Tolerates a range of soil types but prefers sandy or loamy soil

Watering:

Drought tolerant. More watering needing when young

Harvest:

Depends on what part of plant is being used

Flowers need to be harvested when in full bloom

Seeds are when flowers are spent and the seedheads are dry and brown but before falling off the plant

Roots are harvested in the fall after a killing frost and the plant is dormant

Parts Used:

Aerial parts, and roots

Herbal Actions:

Alternative, antimicrobial, immunomodulant, immune stimulant, lymphatic, sialagogue

Energetics: Cooling

Medicinal Uses:

Echinacea is believed to have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, and commonly used to treat cold, flu, and sore throats. It is thought to help reduce the duration and severity of these infections. Can be applied topically to treat skin infections, and may also help promote wound healing. May help to reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and improve digestion. Some studies have suggested that echinacea may have anti-cancer properties but more research would be needed to confirm this.

Allies:

Companion plants include beebalm, russian sage, catmint, salvia, yarrow, goldenrod, butterfly weed, coreopsis, and giant hyssops

Cautions:

Those with an allergic sensitivity to the Asteraceae family should use caution as they may be sensitive to echinacea. May cause interacts with certain medications consult your doctor before use.