Prairie Wildflowers and Grasses of North Dakota

Summer Wildflowers

Chris Grondahl photo: Purple coneflower (inset shows head of flower)
Chris Grondahl Purple coneflower
(Echinacea angusifolia)
Distribution: statewide, except northeast
Habitat: prefers rocky prairie hillsides and weakly developed soils
Flowers: purple to whitish in color
Height: 12-24 inches
Blooms: mid-June to mid-August
Family name: Aster (Asteraceae)
Other names: Black sampson
Plant uses and other interesting facts: Most important plant to the Plains Indians as an herbal medicine for snake bites, stings, toothaches, coughs, sore mouth and gums, neck pain, mumps, measles, arthritis, smallpox, boils and more. Large taproot recently exploited as immune system booster in teas and vitamins. Related to the ornamental E. pupurea which is much taller and often seen in flower gardens.

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