Echinacea is a genus of about 10 species in the family Asteraceae, native to North America.
Echinacea, commonly called Coneflower, has attractive and colorful daisy-like flowers, with cone-shaped central disc surrounded by a ring of petal-like rays. It has lance-shaped or oval-shaped dark green leaves and slender hairy stem that can reach up to 4 ft (120 cm) in height. These perennials are easy to maintain once you know the secrets to meeting their needs. They are heat and drought tolerant and will attract birds and pollinators to your garden.
Name meaning
The genus name comes from the Greek word “echinos”, which means “sea urchin” or “hedgehog”, in reference to the prickly center of the flower.
The common name “Coneflower” comes from the appearance of the flower head, the cone-shaped central disc. This cone is actually composed of hundreds of flowers packed together.
Echinacea symbolism
Echinacea symbolizes strength and health.
Interesting facts about Echinacea
Benefits and Uses
Echinacea is one of the most popular plants in herbalism today.
The plant is used widely all over the world for a wide range of illnesses and conditions. Echinacea is commonly used to help combat flu and colds, but it has also been used to treat sore throats, burns, infected wounds, enlarged glands, mumps, measles, toothaches, migraine, poisonous insect bites, bronchial infections, vaginal infections, stomach cramps, diarrhea, muscle pains, rheumatism and arthritis. The plant is also known to its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. It is a popular herbal ingredient for boosting immune function and it can improve skin problems such as eczema, acne and psoriasis.
Native Americans used this plant for hundreds of years as an all-purpose remedy. Echinacea became a popular herbal remedy in USA and Europe by the early 1800s.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a low maintenance plant that does not require much care, and will bloom continuously whether you deadhead it or not. They are among the most popular cultivated plants in North America.
The flowers are long lasting and great as cut flowers.
Echinacea Plant Data
Plant Type:
Perennials
Color:
These flowers come in shades of white, yellow, orange, pink, purple, red and brown, depending on variety. The most common are the purple ones.
Hardiness Zones:
3-10
Blooms in:
Summer
Height:
Coneflowers will grow between 30 cm (1 ft) and 120 cm (4 ft) tall.
Soil needs:
These plants like medium moisture and well drained soil, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. In the wild, they usually grow in poor and rocky soil and can tolerate more alkaline conditions.
