Purple Coneflower - Echinacea purpurea - €7 per plant

Echinacea is a spectacular herbaceous perennial attracting bees and butterflies while in bloom. If the cones are left intact in winter, birds dine on the seeds. A very easy to grow plant, tolerant of drought, heat, humidity, and poor soils. The plant is famous for its medicinal properties, a very popular herb, especially for the treatment of flu and colds.   To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: N. America - Virginia to Ohio and Michigan, south to Georgia and Louisiana.
  • native habitat: Dry open woods, prairies and barrens
  • family: Asteraceae or Compositae

Predators

  • Slugs love this plant

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 2a - 10b
  • An adaptable plant that is tolerant of drought, heat, humidity and poor soil.
  • Divide clumps when they become overcrowded (about every 4 years)

Known hazards

  • Possible suppression of immunity with habitual use. High doses over 1000 mg may cause dizziness. Use of herb for 10-14 days recommended followed by a short break.

Overview

  • 10 x 12 cm plant bag 
  • Perennial  growing to 1.2 m  by 0.5 m at a medium rate.
  • It is in flower from July to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It cannot grow in the shade.
  • It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Characteristics

  • form:Herbaceous perennial 
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit: clumping
  • height x width (m): 1.2 x 0.5
  • productive life span: indefinite 

Products 

  • Medicinal: Extensive medicinal usage.
    Echinacea is considered to be the most effective detoxicant in Western herbal medicine for the circulatory, lymphatic and respiratory systems
  • Edible leaves (with caution)

Functions, behaviours

  • A very ornamental plant, there are some named varieties.
  • Freely self-seeds if at least some of the seed heads are left in place.
  • A good wildlife plant,  it is pollinated by butterflies and bees
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project