Moxie Gardener

Purple coneflowers grow wild in many parts of North America.

Purple coneflowers were used extensively by Native Americans to treat a variety of maladies. Its botanical name Echinacea purpurea comes from the Greek echinos, (their word for hedgehog) which refers to the spiny-like center of the flower, and the Latin purpurea which refers to its purple-red color.

Echinacea purpurea are perennials that grow to a height of 2 to 3 feet. They are often propagated by root division, but are just as easily started from seed. Plants started from seed will bloom in October the first year and in July thereafter.

Plant echinacea in full sun to part shade in fertile loamy soil, although they will grow in clay or sandy soil. They are relatively drought resistant, but will show signs of wilting if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Divide the plants by digging up and dividing the roots every 4 to 5 years.

Purple coneflowers attract a variety of different bees and butterflies. Goldfinches eat the mature seeds in early fall. Their pointy seed heads add a unique component to dried flower arrangements.

They were used by Native Americans to treat everything from toothaches to colds to minor cuts, wounds and burns. Rather than using the plant’s parts to make a healing tea, the roots were chewed or the foliage was mashed up and made into a salve.

European settlers adopted the use of the plant for medicinal purposes until it fell out of use in the 1930’s. It has been re-discovered in recent years primarily as a cold and flu preventative, although its medicinal uses are far more extensive than that.

The juice of the roots was mixed with water and sprinkled on hot coals in traditional Native American “sweat lodges” for purification purposes. It is regarded today as an antibiotic and blood purifier which builds up the immune system. Some claim it provides immunity to a host of non-specific diseases.

Scientific research has not yet determined the exact compounds in purple coneflower that give it medicinal properties, but a long history of use in traditional folk medicine suggests that it is, in fact, effective as a medicinal herb.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 at 9:49 AM and is filed under Herbs, Perennials. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.