VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Echinacea angustifolia | Purple Coneflower 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Purple coneflower provides fair to good quality forage for livestock and
wildlife before plants reach maturity [22].  Cattle avoid purple
coneflower once it reaches maturity [20], and white-tailed deer do not
browse it at any stage of growth [9].  Purple coneflower is an important
food source for pronghorn [4].



PALATABILITY : 
NO-ENTRY


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Purple coneflower direct seeded on coal spoil materials did well the
first year following planting.  It showed excellent establishment
characteristics, although it did not make outstanding height growth or
provide exceptionally good cover [3].  Plants may be propagated using
tissue culture [15] or by root cuttings or divisions of the crown [6].
Dickerson discusses field establishment, harvesting, and seed-cleaning
methods for large-scale production of purple coneflower seed [7].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Medicinal:  Roots were used by Native Americans in several forms to
treat snake and insect bites, toothache, swollen glands, sore throat,
rabies, fits, and stomach cramps.  Anglo-Americans began using it as an
aromatic and carminative by 1852.  In 1887 an extract of the plant was
marketed and used for several decades.  Recent research has shown the
plant to have active medicinal constituents.  The root possesses a mild
antibiotic activity against streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus.  It
also possesses antiinflammatory activity and has therapeutic use in
urology, gynecology, internal medicine, and dermatology [16].

Horticultural:  Purple coneflower survives harsh growing conditions,
outlasts most other cut flowers, and is nearly indestructible in dried
arrangements [13].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Purple coneflower decreases in response to moderate grazing and is
eliminated by heavy grazing [20,22].  Its prescence is an indicator of
good range condition [22].  The 1930's drought practically eliminated
purple coneflower, but it returned slowly once drought conditions ended
[20].

Related categories for Species: Echinacea angustifolia | Purple Coneflower