Description
Echinacea paradoxa
Herbaceous perennial in the daisy family, native to a narrow range in southern Missouri, Arkansas, and south-central Oklahoma. Multiple stems to 90cm bear several long-lasting yellow flowers with a central brown cone, from early summer to early autumn. The genus name Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos meaning hedgehog or sea-urchin, and paradoxa refers to the yellow flowers which are atypical of the genus (usually pink to purple). The plants are also known as Coneflowers.
The plants are very attractive to bees and the seed heads provide good bird food in autumn to winter. The flowers are also good cut for the vase, fresh or dried.
Of the ten or so Echinacea species, all can be used medicinally, although E. angustifolia and E.purpurea are said to be the best. Echinacea is said to be one of the best detoxicants known in western herbal medicine for the circulatory, lymphatic and respiratory systems and its uses are documented back to the 1600s. The plant increases bodily resistance to infection and acts as a blood purifier. It was used by the Native American Indians to treat all types of insect and snake bites and stings, wounds and burns as well as for toothaches, throat infections, coughs and stomach cramps.
Echinacea contains several chemicals that play a role in its therapeutic effects. These include polysaccharides, glycoproteins, alkamides, volatile oils, and flavonoids. The chemicals contained in the root differ considerably from those in the upper part of the plant. For example, the roots have high concentrations of volatile oils (odorous compounds) while the above-ground parts of the plant tend to contain more polysaccharides (substances known to trigger the activity of the immune system). The combination of these active substances is responsible for echinacea’s beneficial effects, though research suggests that the above ground portion is the most effective. Roots of established plants can be dug up in autumn, washed and chopped, and made into a tincture.
Yellow Coneflower hails from savannas, glades, limestone outcrops and open hillsides, so requires full sun or part shade. They are however very easy to grow and tolerant of a wide range of conditions including drought, heat and humidity, as long as they have good drainage. Avoid overly rich or fertile soil. Plants will form a clump over time.
9cm pot. Certified organic plant.
