Product Review

Echinacea angustifolia or Narrow Leaved Echinacea is a perennial wildflower with a deep history of use in folk herbalism. The pale purple flower blossoms and study, spiked hedgehog-like central disks (the Greek word "ekhinos" means hedgehog) make them really captivating ornamentals. The roots - the most common part used in teas - have a rich, almost chocolate-like flavor. Native to dry prairies and open wooded areas throughout eastern and central North America, Echinacea's are becoming endangered plants due to both human habitat destruction and overharvesting of wild stands for commercial sale. In warmer winter climates, seed must be cold stratified before planted. Place seeds in a bowl with a small amount of loose soil and moisten to the point where a slight amount of water is released when squeezed by hand. Place soil/seed mixture in a glass jar and store in the refrigerator for four to six weeks. Transplant seeds with additional soil into a soil flat and lightly cover; plant outdoors when seedlings are approximately one inch tall.