Purple Coneflower

 Purple Coneflower, Echinacea  purpurea, is a nice perennial that is ornamental and a well known medicinal plant. It is generally considered a immune system stimulant and is widely used in Europe. There are two other very similar coneflowers, the Narrow Leaf Coneflower , and the Pale Purple Coneflower, all three being native North American species. Many color variations have been bred for the nursery industry over the last few years. I don't know if any of those would retain the medicinal qualities. If used medicinally most herbalist recommend that it not be taken continuously. A routine of two weeks on followed by two weeks of is often recommended. Both the above ground parts and the roots are used although the root preparations are considered better.
  I started my plants from seed over ten years ago. They will naturalize and can even out compete grasses with little help.  It started about two weeks ago and will continue to bloom until frost here. Tough plant, looks nice, useful, I like it.