echinacea

echinacea [ek΄ə nā′shə]

n.

1. any of a genus (Echinacea) of North American plants of the composite family, esp. a coneflower ( E. purpurea) with purple flowers

2. a medicinal herb made from the roots, leaves, etc. of certain of these plants

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ech·i·na·ce·a (ĕk'ə-nāʹsē-ə) n.

1. Any of several coneflowers of the genus Echinacea, having usually pinkish-purple ray flowers.

2. The roots, seeds, or other parts of such a plant, used in herbal medicine.

  [New Latin Echīnācea, genus name, from Latin echīnus, sea urchin (from its rough leaves). See echinus.]

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Any member of the coneflower genus Echinacea.

Commonly called the purple coneflower, echinacea is used as a border plant. The leaves and roots are used in herbal remedies to boost the immune system and in the treatment of colds and flu.

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