#PURPLE CONEFLOWER. FULL#

Doctors scoffed and refused the offer, and branded Meyer a fraud. Eager to make money, he made wild claims for his “cure-all” and even proposed submitting himself to a rattlesnake bite and then using his tonic to heal himself. Meyer introduced “Meyer’s Blood Purifier” an Echinacea extract. During that period purple coneflower was primarily used for immune system support and upper respiratory issues. Several larger works on materia medica and therapeutics have been reprinted and are available today. Popularity of Echinacea grew for medicinal use tremendously between 1830 to 1930, primarily due to the influence of “The Eclectics”, a significant group of doctors who depended heavily on botanical medicine. Echinacea angustifolia is also used for herbal preparations. There are nine species of Echinacea but the most common is Echinacea purpurea.

The dead flower stems will remain erect well into the winter, and if flower heads are not removed, the blackened cones supply seeds for hungry birds. Flowers are suitable for fresh or dried arrangements. Showy daisy-like purple coneflowers (to 5-inches diameter) bloom throughout summer atop stiff stems with coarse, ovate to broad-lanceolate, dark green leaves.

Purple coneflower typically grows to 2-4-feet tall. Native lore refers to herds of elk seeking out purple coneflower to feed upon. The genus name of Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos meaning hedgehog or sea-urchin in reference to the spiny center cone found on most flowers in the genus. It freely self-seeds if at least some of the seed heads are left in place.Įxcellent, long-blooming flowers are perfect for massing as a border, meadow, native plant garden, naturalized area, wildflower garden or part-shade area of a woodland garden. Plants usually re-bloom without deadheading. It is an adaptable plant tolerant of drought, heat, humidity and poor soil.

#PURPLE CONEFLOWER. FULL#

It is easily grown in average, dry-to-medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade.

There are also herb farmers who produce and harvest plants for sale,” she added. “But purple coneflowers are readily available at local nurseries and make a striking addition to gardens. Natural conditions for seed germination are not favorable (follow instructions on seed packet). “Purple coneflowers do not grow wild in northern New Mexico” says local herbalist Seraphina Tisch who specializes in native plants.

Purple coneflower.