Overview:
Echinacea makes a wonderful addition to anyone who loves herbs. It is the perfect addition to a healing garden, as well as a landscaping specimen. Take a closer look at this useful herb.
Latin Name:
Echinacea angusifolia, E. pallida, E. purpurea
Common Name:
Purple coneflower, echinacea
USDA Hardiness Zone:
Zone 3-9. Varies with species.
Exposure:
Full sun
Harvest:
Aerial parts when in full bloom. Roots are harvested in fall or spring or fall at either the second or third year.
Uses:
Echinacea is a useful addition to any herb garden. It has varieties that thrive in any condition, and more colors are becoming available all the time.
Echinacea is at risk of becoming endangered in the wild, so cultivated plants should be the only ones harvested.This poses no trouble, since it is readily available at your favorite nursery. If you are considering growing it for medicinal use, allow your nursery plants to grow at least one full cycle in your garden, before harvesting. You are unsure of the chemicals used to raise the plant for sale.
Echinacea is used topically in tincture form as a wash for skin irritations. It is probably best known for its immune stimulating properties. Although this effect is true, echinacea works best at the first sign of illness. It has a harsh taste, that slightly numbs the mouth and can be off putting to children. In this case, try to find a glycerin based tincture for this use.
