Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea)

Lately, I have seen a lot of interest in purple coneflowers (echinacea) from bees and monarch butterflies.  I have seen this flower in pastures, median planters, and around neighbors' homes.  At this time of year (late summer/early autumn), the flower seems to be a core nectar producer in the Loudoun area.  I am growing these coneflowers from a local nursery, however, I do plan to grow significantly more since I have a full-sun area with a lot of space to plant since the purple coneflower enjoys full sun and is hardy and can tolerate dry soil.

Name: Echinacea Purpurea, grows to a height of two-five feet and blooms June to August.  Enjoys full sun to part shade with dry to medium watering. 

Echinacea has medicinal properties and can be used as a herbal infusion, such as to to make tea.  Most of the plant - dried leaves, the flower, roots can be used to make the tea.  Some folks use 1/4 cup of the plant with 8oz of water and honey to taste.