Japanese name: ムラサキバレンギク（紫馬簾菊） Scientific name:Echinacea purpurea
[Overview]
A perennial 0.6–1.5 m tall.
The stems are usually covered with coarse hairs and tinged with red.
There are basal leaves and leaves alternate on the stem; the basal leaves are ovate, about 15 cm long.
The stem leaves are ovate-lanceolate.
The flower heads, about 12 cm across, are borne singly at the tips of long flower stalks.
The ray florets are usually purple and curve slightly downward, and the tubular florets are purplish brown with a metallic sheen.
The receptacle is conical and bears hard scales.
The scales are longer than the tubular florets.
The fruit is an achene.
[Uses]
The leaves, stems and rhizomes are used medicinally.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
It prefers sunny, well-drained soil rich in humus.
Cultivation is easy.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
In spring and autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
