~ by Gardnbee ~

Family ~ Asteraceae (Compositae)

Genus ~ Echinacea

Common Names ~ Coneflower, Black Samson, Purple Coneflower and Samson root.

Although there are about ten species of Echinacea, only a few are utilized for their medicinal properties. The Species that I am most familiar with and that is being featured here is the narrow-leaved Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia) a native herbaceous perennial of North America that was originally utilized by the First Nations People for medicinal purposes, both internally as well as externally.

This particular species grows wild or cultivated from a tap root to about three feet in height in just about any soil condition though it seems to thrive on well drained open areas where it is exposed to extensive sunlight. The single, large flower heads appear in colors of whitish rose to pale purple from July to October on stout, hairy stems. Its thick, hairy leaves are strongly three nerved, rough and narrowed on the end.

Medicinally speaking it is the Rootstock that is used when dried after autumn harvesting. This species of Echinacea is an antitoxin and as such stimulates the immune system. It is useful in all diseases due to blood impurities, is a natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory to name just a few of its benefits. One thing that may be important to mention is that Echinacea does little for the common cold, speaking from personal experience.

There are several large clumps of this lovely daisy like plant growing in our outdoor living space that we leave to self propagate from seeds taking root in spring. We could also propagate these plants either by dividing the root anytime it is in a dormant state or by dividing root cuttings in late winter. All in all it is certainly a hardy little companion that does well in Zones from three to nine and is pretty much maintenance free :)

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