Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida
Synonym: Brauneria angustifolia (DC.) Heller.
Other common names: echinacea, purple coneflower, coneflower, American coneflower
Habitat and range: Echinacea is found in scattered patches in rich prairie soil or sandy soil from Alabama to Texas and northwestward, being most abundant in Kansas and Nebraska.
Description: This herb grows to a height of from 2 to 3 feet, sending up a rather stout, bristly haired stem bearing thick hairy leaves from 3 to 8 inches long. The flowers, which appear from July to October, vary in color from whitish rose to pale purple. The flower heads are ornamental and consist of ray and disk flowers. The brown fruiting heads, which develop after the flowers, are conical, stiff, and chaffy. The plant has a thick, blackish root.
Uses: Echinacea has traditionally been used to treat or prevent colds, flu, and other infections.
Echinacea is believed to stimulate the immune system to help fight infections.
Less commonly, echinacea has been used for wounds and skin problems, such as acne or boils.
