ECHINACEA

 

PLANT—

Upright stems rising from a deep-set taproot
Flower head with raised, spined central cone
Petals drooping, pink to purple in color
Leaves narrow, rough to the touch

 

SEASON—

High summer flowering
Late autumn root harvest
Root dug after several seasons standing

 

ARCHIVE—

Root chewed fresh at time of harvest

Prepared in tincture and dried root for short-term use

Sharp taste, numbing quality

 

American dispensatory record, late 19th century—

Root dug in autumn.

Washed, cut, and dried for storage.

Given fresh preference when available.

Not kept long once powdered.

 

CORRESPONDENCES—

Prairie

Root

Late Summer

 

NAMES—

Echinacea

Purple Coneflower

Coneflower

 

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