Family Name: Asteraceae
Popular Name(s): Narrow-leaved purple coneflower, Sampson root,
Black Sampson, Red sunflower, Echinacea
Parts Used: Roots
Habitat: Echinacea is a wildflower native to North America.
Description: The stout, bristly stem bears hairy,
linear-lanceolate leaves, tapering at both ends, the lower on long
petioles, the upper sessile. The distinctive flower features 12 to 20
large, spreading, dull-purple rays and a conical disk made up of
numerous purple and tubular florets.
Uses: Echinacea had been used to treat infections. It enhances
the body's immune system. It has been shown effective for treating
conditions such as influenza, colds, upper respiratory tract infections,
urogenital infections and other infectious conditions.
