Purple Coneflower

Description:

Flower heads have purple rays and a raised, tiny center. The stem is usually 2 to 3 ft. tall covered with coarse hairs.

Habitat:

Spotted at Tamarac near the Visitor Center. It is usually found in the prairies, mostly in the western part of Minnesota.

Notes:

Early travelers on the prairie called it a Thirst Plant because the roots had a salty peppery taste. When they were chew, the flow of saliva was increased, relieving a person's thirst for water.