Herb: Cone Flower


Latin name: Rudbeckia laciniata


Family: Compositae



Medicinal use of Cone Flower:

A tea made from the root (mixed with Caulophyllum thalictroides) is used in the treatment of indigestion. A poultice of the flowers (mixed with Agastache anisatum and Solidago sp.) is applied to burns.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
2.4 m
(7 3/4 foot)

Flowering:
July to
October

Habitat of the herb:

Stream banks and moist places in rich low ground.

Edible parts of Cone Flower:

Edible young stems. Cooked and eaten in the spring for "good health". The young stems can be eaten like celery. The stems can also be dried for later use. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Other uses of the herb:

A green dye is obtained from the flowers.

Propagation of Cone Flower:

Seed - sow April in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within 2 weeks, prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. The seed can also be sown in situ. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Cultivation of the herb:

Stream banks and moist places in rich low ground.

Known hazards of Rudbeckia laciniata:

This plant is reputed to be poisonous to cattle, sheep and pigs.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.