Echinacea was chosen as the perennial for the National Garden Bureau’s 2014 Year of program because of the vast assortment of flower colors and shapes available to today’s gardener but also because they are such an American staple. The classic flower shape continues to be a favorite in home and public gardens so it’s time we highlight the history of the “tried and true” classics as well as some of the newer varieties sure to please any home gardener.
History
The coneflower is a native to central and eastern North America and is a member of the Asteraceae family. Other flowers in the Asteraceae family include daisy, sunflower and aster. The name “Asteracea” finds its origin from the Greek word for star. The main family feature is its composite flower type: Its capitula (flower head) is surrounded by involucral bracts. Most Echinacea blooms are oversized bright disks atop rings of downward-curving petals. The name “Echinacea” is also derived from the Greek word “echino,” which means spiky or prickly, referring to the plant’s floral center. The florets are hermaphroditic, with both male and female organs on each flower. Pollination occurs most often with the help of butterflies and bees.
Medicinal Uses
Besides its native landscape and prairie appeal, the herbal and medicinal use of Echinacea has been documented through the years. Herbalists use the roots/rhizomes and herbs of Echinacea to treat or ward off various infections and maladies. It offers a general boost to the immune system, and has antidepressant properties. Echinacea angustifolia was used by Native Americans to soothe sore throats, headaches or coughs – symptoms of the common cold. They first saw the benefit of using Echinacea medicinally by observing elk that sought out the plant and ate it when wounded or sick. In the mid-19th century Echinacea was used as a pain reliever and increased in use as an herbal medicine through the 1930s in America and Europe. The plant E. purpurea contains the chemical compounds cichoric acid and caftaric acid. These phenols are common to many other plants. Other phenols include echinacoside (found in E. angustifolia and E. pallida roots). These phenols can serve as markers for the quantity of raw Echinacea in the product. Other plant components that contribute to health effects include alkylamides and polysaccharides.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: National Garden Bureau
