Flower of the Week: Purple Cone (Echinacea purpurea)

http://edgewater.patch.com/articles/flower-of-the-week-purple-cone-echinacea-purpurea

People in New England have enjoyed this beautiful flowers for centuries.

This week's has been used to heal common ailments for more than 400 years.

This North American native bears striking, rich rosy-pink, daisy-like flowers in summer that attract butterflies. Echinacea is a long summer blooming perennial with best flower display in late June to late July.

The dead flower stems will remain erect well into the winter and, if flower heads are not removed, are often visited by goldfinches that perch on or just below the blackened cones to feed on the seeds.

This Native American medicinal plant is named for the prickly scales in its large conical seed head, Archaeologists have found evidence that Native Americans may have used Echinacea for more than 400 years to treat infections and wounds and as a general "cure-all."

People use Echinacea to shorten the duration of the common cold and flu and reduce symptoms, such as sore-throat cough and fever. It also help boost the immune system and help the body fight infections.

Easily grown in dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade Echinacea is an adaptable plant that is tolerant of drought, heat, humidity and poor soil.