Echinacea is still widely used as an herbal remedy, as well as being a common and well-loved addition to perennial gardens and prairie plantings. Echinacea acts as a natural antibiotic, and improves the function of the immune system it became very popular in the medical field in the early twentieth century, particularly after the extensive researches of the German Dr. Historically, this family of plants has been extensively used by Native American tribes and early settlers because of its beneficial medicinal properties. The genus name Echinacea comes from the Greek word for "hedgehog," referring to the spiny seed head of the flower. The blooms also follow the sun across the sky like a sunflower.Īll the members of the Echinacea genus are native to North America, though they are becoming more rare in the wild. Personally, it is our favorite Echinacea with its petals curving upward, just above compact dark green leaves. Once on the verge of extinction, this dark pink variety now spreads its bright rays in many gardens. IN-STOCK ORDERS SHIP THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY VIA THE US POST OFFICE. Rub them lightly to remove the seed, and store the seed in a cool, dry place. As soon as the seeds easily come loose from the head, cut off the seed heads. Since songbirds such as goldfinches love to eat these seeds, they should be harvested as soon as possible to avoid loss. Seed Saving: After flowering, the central cones of the flowers will develop into a spiky seed head. Harvesting: For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately strip the leaves that will fall below the water. This plant attracts birds, butterflies and bees as well as resisting deer. After several years of growth, mature plants can be divided in late fall. Deadheading will greatly increase blooming. Keep competition to a minimum in the first year of growth, since this plant cannot reach its full potential when crowded by weeds. Mature plants tolerate drought well, and need well-drained soil for healthy growth. Growing: Water seedlings until they become established. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 90 days before direct sowing keep the soil consistently moist until germination. Dry the blossoms separately or add them to homemade potpourri.Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting the seeds 1/4" deep and lightly compacting the soil. The best way to preserve Echinacea blooms, as well as other wildflowers, is to pick them with the stem attached and press the blossoms in books or between paper in a dry room. Hybrid seeds can be purchased for planting Tennessee purple coneflower in your garden.ĭry and preserve the hybrid form of Tennessee purple coneflower for use in potpourri. They also draw butterflies and bees to the garden. Because of their tall, rigid stems and deep lavender and purple petals, the flowers add rich texture to the landscape. The hybrid form of Tennessee purple coneflower plants are used as ornamental additions to garden borders and herb gardens. Echinacea can be made into herbal teas and tinctures. Showy clumps of dark purple flowers, different from other coneflowers as the flower petals are recurved rather than reflexed, forming a cup of rose purple. Its use as an immune system booster declined after the 19th century, but it now is found in many over-the-counter treatments for the common cold. Echinacea was used during the 18th and 19th centuries to treat a variety of ailments including malaria, blood poisoning, and syphilis. Tennessee purple coneflower, like other Echinacea varieties, is recommended by herbalists, who believe it may boost the immune system, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website.
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