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Interesting Facts About the Purple Coneflower
Interesting Facts About the Purple Coneflower. The purple coneflower is generally considered to be a wildflower, though is often planted in cultivated gardens. The roots of this flower are widely used in herbal medicine, under the name of echinacea.
The purple coneflower is generally considered to be a wildflower, though is often planted in cultivated gardens. The roots of this flower are widely used in herbal medicine, under the name of echinacea.
Features
The most recognizable features of the purple coneflower are its lavender-colored petals, long stems, and orange or red-coned centers. It grows to an average height of 2 to 3 feet.
History
The genus name for the purple coneflower is echinacea, which is said to come from the Greek word for "hedgehog" due to the shape of the inner flowers. It is native to the southeastern and midwestern United States.
Species
This flower is part of the Compositae family, which includes many other popular species that are used in herbal medicines, like dandelions, chicory and daisies.
Benefits
Native Americans reportedly used echinacea for treating things as varied as headaches, toothaches, snake bites, arthritis, mumps, tumors and malaria. Today, it is recommended as a way to boost the immune system, treat skin diseases and aid in healing respiratory illnesses like bronchitis, tuberculosis and whooping cough.
Planting Guidelines
Sowing depth for the purple coneflower is recommended at 1/8-inch, in soil temperatures of 70 to 75 degrees F, for a germination period of 15 to 30 days. The blooming period is from June to October.
