Plants and People Project

Purple Coneflower - Echinacea

American Indians made a variety medicines from the roots, leaves and the dried flowers. Native American Herbs

The root was used as a treatment for bites including spider and snake! Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plant

Today over 200 pharmaceutical preparations are made from the Echinacea plant in West Germany.

Echinacea has properties that boost the immune system helping in the fighting of colds. Maryland Medical Center Complementary Medicine Program

Echinacea Does Not Work on Colds Sci-Tech today news 7/05

It was also used as a folk remedy for brown recluse spider bites.

In the photo, a Great Spangled Fritillary is enjoying the nectar of this important native plant.

The plants hold their seeds through the winter. Goldfinches eat the seeds of this flower.

The plants can grow to be over 1 meter tall.

Identification and facts / More Facts

Purple Coneflower