Ulf Eliasson / CC BY 2.5
Overview
A beloved native prairie wildflower that has become one of the most popular herbal supplements in the world for immune support. Echinacea's distinctive cone-shaped flower heads with drooping petals bloom for weeks and attract a parade of butterflies and bees. Native Americans used echinacea more widely than any other plant medicine, applying it to everything from snakebites to toothaches.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeWell-drained, average soil; drought-tolerant once established
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring; native prairie plant, drought tolerant once established |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Mar — Apr | Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring |
Uses
Culinary
- Root and flower petal tea
- Dried leaves used in herbal tea blends
Medicinal
- Widely used immune stimulant for cold and flu prevention
- Root tincture is the most potent preparation
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
Other Uses
- Critical native pollinator plant
- Seed heads provide winter food for goldfinches
- Long-blooming perennial for prairie and meadow gardens
