Echinacea

Echinacea

Botanical name: Echinacea spp

Bloom type: Perennial

Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae. Native to North America, echinacea is well-known for its vibrant, daisy-like flowers and its significant medicinal properties. It is a popular plant in herbal medicine and is widely cultivated for both ornamental and therapeutic purposes. Species: The most commonly used species in herbal medicine include: Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) Echinacea angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Coneflower) Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower)

Appearance:

• Leaves: The leaves vary depending on the species but are generally lance-shaped and dark green. They can be smooth or slightly hairy, with a coarse texture.
• Flowers: Echinacea flowers have a distinctive appearance with a central cone that is typically orange or brown, surrounded by ray-like petals that can be purple, pink, or white. The flowers bloom from early summer to fall.
• Size: Depending on the species, echinacea plants can grow to a height of 2-5 feet (60-150 cm) and spread about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide.