Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea means ‘spiny one’ in Greek, in reference to the spiny sea urchins ‘εχίνοι’ which the ripe flower heads of this genus resemble.

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

Although there are over 400 publications concerning the plant and dozens of preparations of Echinacea on the market, the true identity of many of the active principles still remains open.

Today, people use echinacea to shorten the duration of the common cold and flu, and reduce symptoms, such as sore throat (pharyngitis), cough, and fever.

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.

Other Names

Eastern purple coneflower

Purple coneflower

Hedgehog coneflower

Origin

North America