Coneflowers

I remember reading not all that long ago that purple coneflowers were an endangered species. Now, they've become a common garden plant, at least in Chicago.

I have to confess that I always wondered why they were called "coneflowers". I guess I must have been observing them too early in the blooming cycle, when the central portion -- the part that has the actual flowers -- was flat. I've been noticing lately that as the season progresses, that center does become more and more cone-shaped.

And it happens that the scientific name is Echinacea purpurea. For those with any acquaintance at all with herbal medicine, you know that Echinacea is recommended as an aid to the immune system. The American Indians used it for all sorts of ailments, including wounds, burns, snake bites, throat infections, what have you.

And best of all, the flowers are really attractive.