Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea signifie « épineux » en grec, en référence aux oursins épineux "εχίνοι" dont les têtes de fleurs mûres de ce genre ressemblent.

Extracts of the plant have shown to have immunostimulant properties and were cultivated commercially in Germany around 1939 and in Switzerland around 1950.

Bien qu'il existe plus de 400 publications concernant la plante et des dizaines de préparations d'échinacée sur le marché, la véritable identité de nombreux principes actifs reste encore inconnue.

Aujourd'hui, les gens utilisent l'échinacée pour raccourcir la durée du rhume et de la grippe, et réduire les symptômes tels que le mal de gorge (pharyngite), la toux et la fièvre.

It is one of the most widely studied medicinal plants, with over 400 scientific publications addressing its pharmacological potential.

Despite decades of study, the exact identity and mechanisms of all active compounds remain partially unresolved, making it a continuing subject of botanical and pharmacological research.

Ecology and Pollinators

Echinacea purpurea is an ecological powerhouse.

Its flowers attract a wide range of pollinators, including bumblebees, sweat bees, honeybees, the sunflower leafcutter bee, and the mining bee Andrena helianthiformis.

Butterflies are frequent visitors, with notable species including monarchs, swallowtails, and sulphur butterflies.

The dense flower heads provide a concentrated source of nectar and pollen, supporting pollinator populations over the long flowering season.

Birds are also drawn to Echinacea, particularly finches, which feed on the seeds (achenes) produced in late summer and autumn.

The spiny central cone protects the seeds until they are fully mature, allowing birds to feed gradually.

This dual role—providing nectar for pollinators and seeds for birds—makes Echinacea an important plant for supporting biodiversity in garden and wild landscapes alike.

Autres Noms

Eastern purple coneflower

Purple coneflower

Hedgehog coneflower

Origine

Amérique du Nord