Echinacea tea is thought to boost the immune system and is used to help with coughs, colds, and internal infections. Small daily doses appear to work better than a one-time large amount to reduce symptoms of sore throat, cough, and fever.

Cautions: Do not take echinacea if on immunosuppressive medications, nursing, or pregnant.

Echinacea usually doesn’t bloom the first year when all the plant energy is used to develop deep roots. However, in locations with a long enough growing season, there may be one bloom at the end of summer or the beginning of fall. You can cut off flowers during the second summer to encourage more blooms.

In the fall, you can leave the flowers on and allow the seeds to mature. The seeds provide food for birds and also fall to the ground where they can self-sow.

When coneflowers begin to die off their petals will dry out and turn brown. The seed head in the center of the flower will become spiky. Snip the flowers and separate the seeds from the seed head when they can easily be removed. Let these seeds fully dry, then store them in a cool, dark location to plant again another season.