Eastern purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

About the Plant

Purple coneflower is a perennial that grows up to 80 cm tall. It has small, elongated, and hairy leaves. Its flowers are actually inflorescences – the center of the inflorescence is orange-brown, surrounded by pinkish-purple petals. As its name suggests, it originates from North America.

Where Does Eastern Purple Coneflower Grow?

Echinacea purpurea is native to the central and southeastern United States, particularly in regions such as Missouri, Arkansas, and the surrounding areas. Though not originally native to Canada, it has been naturalized in parts of Ontario and other northeastern regions. It is most commonly found in the Ozarks, the Mississippi Valley, and the Ohio Valley. Its typical habitats include dry open woodlands, prairies, meadows, and barrens.

Eastern purple coneflower, while native to North America, is most often grown as a cultivated plant, brightening vegetable gardens and flower beds. Echinacea purpurea can be successfully cultivated in temperate regions across the globe—including North America, Europe, parts of Asia, and temperate zones of Australia and New Zealand. Valued for its resilience and medicinal properties, it is popular in both home gardens and commercial plantings. It grows best in clay-rich, organically fertile and moist but well-drained soil. Once the plant is well-rooted and settled in its location, it can handle dry weather without much trouble. Purple coneflower thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

When to Harvest Echinacea purpurea?

Flowers and leaves of the purple coneflower are harvested during the flowering period (from June to August in the northern hemisphere). It’s best to cut the whole plant in the morning, when it’s not too hot, to avoid losing valuable essential oils that evaporate at higher temperatures.

The root is harvested in late autumn (October and November in the northern hemisphere), when it contains the most medicinal compounds.

Which Parts of the Eastern Purple Coneflower to Harvest?

You can harvest the roots, leaves, and flowers of the plant.

Medicinal Effects

Purple coneflower contains inulin, flavonoids, phenols, alkamides, heteroglycan polysaccharides, betaine, resins, echinacoside, glycosides, and essential oils.

Thanks to all these medicinal components, the plant has a proven immune-boosting effect, and acts as an antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. Echinacea purpurea treats flu, colds, bronchitis, cough, respiratory infections, and sore throat.

It has been shown to be effective against cold viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19.

Purple coneflower also helps healing surface wounds, burns, insect bites, treats skin inflammations, fungal infections, and ear infections.

How to use Echinacea purpurea

Tea or tincture made from purple coneflower is used to boost the immune system, and to treat colds, flu, and respiratory illnesses. Best used preventatively, to increase immune system—especially before winter, during periods of stress, or when exposed to illness or at risk of getting sick.

Ointments and compresses made from purple coneflower help with healing wounds, burns, insect bites, and skin inflammations. Apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected area.

Impure skin: Purple coneflower also helps treat acne—simply soak a compress in the tea and apply it to the affected area.

Culinary use: Purple coneflower can also be made into syrup, which is not only an alternative to store-bought drinks but also a healing beverage. Follow the step-by-step recipe here.

How to Prepare Eastern Purple Coneflower Tea or Infusion

Pour a cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of dried purple coneflower (dried and ground root or herb), or a larger amount of the fresh plant. Let the covered infusion sit for 10 minutes, then strain. You may sweeten the tea with honey.

Recipe for Tincture From Echinacea purpurea

Harvest the flowering plant, including leaves and stems (you may also use the roots if desired), and chop it into small pieces. Place the plant material in a glass jar and cover it with 50–65% alcohol. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a dark place for about 40 days.

After the maceration period, strain the mixture and transfer the liquid into a dark glass bottle. Store the finished tincture in a cool, dark place.

The tincture is taken in drops—typically 25 to 30 drops, up to three times daily. It’s essential to take breaks while using it; for example, use it for 10 days, then pause before continuing.

You can learn more about tinctures and how to prepare them here.

Warnings and Precautions

Allergic reactions may occur, appearing as redness or blister-like rash when the eastern purple coneflower plant touches the skin. When ingested, it can cause nausea and vomiting. Consult a doctor if these symptoms occur.

Purple coneflower is not recommended for individuals with autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). Although there is no clinical proof yet, it is avoided as a precaution.

Use of purple coneflower is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as there is insufficient evidence regarding its safety.

It should also be avoided in children under 4 years of age, and not recommended for children under 12 unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Interesting Facts About Purple Coneflower

• Fresh plants have more medicinal compounds than dried ones.

• Purple coneflower preparations – both alcoholic tinctures and alcohol-free tablets – are among the best-selling herbal over-the-counter medicines for treating upper respiratory infections.

• There are three types of purple coneflower: eastern purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), narrow-leaved purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia), and pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida). Most studies confirming its effects were conducted on eastern purple coneflower. Various cultivars with different flower colors are available on the market: white, yellow, red, deep pink, and orange.