Apr 4, 2022 - Echinacea purpurea, the parent of all contemporary hybrids is a native of the American prairie. Echinacea root was discovered by Native Americans within its range for healing properties. In recent years science has confirmed that the root contains chemicals that stimulate the immune system. Coneflowers are part of the American prairie plant communities and are a well documented bird habitat plant. The genus name Echinacea is derived from the Greek word (echino), meaning "spiny", due to the spiny central disk.
