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Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Family
Asteraceae
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Common Names
Echinacea, Purple Cornflower
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Harvest
Historically, all parts of the echinacea plant have been used. The leaves and flower buds have traditionally been harvested for tea, with the roots harvested for more powerful medicine. Wait to harvest from your plant until at least two years of growth.
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Growing Conditions
USDA Growing Zone(s): Echinacea grows well in zones 3-9.
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This beautiful purple flower is often found growing in meadows and open pastures. It can grow in any soil, with full sun to part shade. This perennial plant reproduces vegetatively through rhizomes, so it will produce new plants in your garden over the years. As a result, you can harvest some roots of your echinacea for medicine season after season.
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Medicinal Uses
Echinacea is a medicinal herb historically used for strengthening immunity. Echinacea has also traditionally been used as a blood purifier and digestive stimulant, as well as to help regain health after illness. It can also been traditionally used to reduce infection by applying a poultice of echinacea externally. As an immune system stimulant, it is said to aid in increasing white blood cells.
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​This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine.
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