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Read about Basil, the 2003 herb of the year.
Read about Garlic, the 2004 Herb of the year.
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In 2002, it was Echinacea. Coneflowers (genus Echinacea) are a group of attractive herbaceous perennial plants whose flowers resemble the Black Eyed Susan in form. The Purple Coneflower, Echinacea purpurea, is easily cultivated and has become a popular garden flower, whose color is usually a pinkish purple, but may also be white.
Petals typically droop downward after flowers open. Pale-Purple Echinacea, E. pallida, and Narrow-Leaf Echinacea, E. angustifolia, are two other native American species, which, along with E. purpurea, are used to prepare herbal extracts, which are widely believed to be useful in strengthening the immune system and warding off upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold.
To supply the worldwide demand for these products, native populations of these plants are rapidly being over harvested. Large-scale cultivation of Echinacea species is now becoming more common here and in Europe, and may be able to save these once plentiful wild plants from extinction.
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2002 - Echinacea
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Inspiring you to enjoy the fragrance, flavors, and beauty of herbs and flowers in your home. |
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