Coneflower Echinacea purpurea 'Pica Bella'

Names

• Family

  Asteraceae

• Synonyms

  Eastern Purple Coneflower, Purple Coneflower, Hedgehog Coneflower

• Common names

  Echinacea purpurea 'Pica Bella'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Pica Bella') is generally considered safe for humans and is commonly used in herbal remedies to boost the immune system. It is not recognized as a toxic plant when used appropriately. However, excessive consumption of any part of the plant, especially in people with allergies to the Asteraceae/Compositae family, could cause adverse reactions such as dizziness, nausea, stomach pain, or rashes. As with any plant or herbal supplement, it should be used with caution and respect to individual allergic reactions or specific health conditions.

• To pets

  Purple coneflower is generally considered non-toxic to pets. It's not known to cause serious illness or death if pets consume this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of large amounts by pets, especially those with sensitive stomachs, can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If your pet is known to eat plants, it's always best to monitor them, and consult your veterinarian if you observe unusual symptoms.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  2 feet (60 cm)

• Spread

  1 foot (30 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3

• Native area

  North America

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea purpurea 'Pica Bella' is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are crucial for pollination.
• Drought Tolerant: This plant is highly adaptable and can withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and dry climates.
• Low Maintenance: With no specific soil type or pH preferences, it's an easy plant to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
• Long Blooming: The Coneflower offers an extended flowering period, providing vibrant colors throughout the summer into autumn.
• Wildlife Friendly: The seeds of the Coneflower can serve as a food source for birds during the fall and winter months.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With bright purple petals and eye-catching central cones, the plant adds visual interest and beauty to any garden or landscape.
• Resistant to Common Pests and Diseases: Echinacea purpurea 'Pica Bella' is not usually affected by pests and diseases that commonly plague garden plants.

Medical Properties

• Immune System Support: Echinacea is generally known for its potential to enhance the immune system and reduce symptoms of colds and flu.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: It may help reduce inflammation, which can benefit those with inflammatory conditions.
• Antioxidant Effects: The plant contains compounds that can act as antioxidants, offering protection against oxidative stress.
• Antimicrobial Activity: Echinacea has been investigated for its possible antimicrobial properties, which might help fight certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Pain Relief: Some traditional uses of the plant include reducing pain from conditions like headaches, stomach aches, and sore throats.
• Wound Healing: Topically applied, Echinacea has been used in traditional medicine to aid in wound healing, although scientific evidence is limited.
• Skin Health: Echinacea extracts are sometimes used in skin care products for their purported skin-soothing and healing properties.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Echinacea purpurea 'Pica Bella' petals can be used to create a natural dye for coloring fabrics, giving off subtle shades of lavender or pink, depending on the mordant used.
• The flowers of the Echinacea can be added to bouquets and floral arrangements for their bold colors and long-lasting nature, offering an appealing aesthetic in cut flower displays.
• Its fibrous stems can be used in papermaking, adding texture and visual interest to handmade papers.
• Insectary gardens often include Echinacea as a way to attract beneficial insects like butterflies and bees, which act as natural pollinators for surrounding flora.
• The seed heads of the Echinacea, once dried, can be used in artistic creations or as part of naturalistic decor in crafts and home design.
• Echinacea leaves can be utilized as a mulch, which, when decomposed, adds organic richness to the soil, improving its structure and fertility.
• The plant works well in companion planting, reportedly helping to protect nearby vegetables and herbs by drawing away certain pests like aphids.
• The robust root system of Echinacea can help reduce soil erosion, making it a candidate for planting in areas at risk of losing topsoil.
• Echinacea can be included in wildlife gardens to provide food for songbirds, particularly finches, who feast on its seeds in the autumn and winter months.
• The plant is used in landscape design for erosion control, as its strong root network helps secure the soil in sloped gardens and banks.

Feng Shui

The Coneflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Coneflower is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing and Health: Echinacea, commonly known as the Purple Coneflower, is often associated with healing due to its medicinal properties and use in traditional herbal remedies to boost the immune system.
• Strength and Hardiness: As a plant that is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in difficult conditions, Echinacea symbolizes strength and the ability to withstand challenges.
• Integrity and Resourcefulness: The Purple Coneflower stands tall and upright, representing honesty and a resourceful nature, as it attracts pollinators and serves the ecosystem efficiently.
• Beauty and Attraction: With its vibrant purple petals, Echinacea is a symbol of beauty and is believed to attract positive energy and attention.