Both genera of coneflower are very decorative and easy to care for, but only the red coneflower, Latin Echinacea, is considered a medicinal herb. In addition to the flowers, the stems and leaves are also dried for tea or made into a tincture.
What diseases can affect coneflower leaves and what should be done?
Coneflower leaves can be affected by powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as a white coating. Brown leaves can indicate leaflets. If infested, diseased leaves should be removed and disposed of with household waste, but not composted to prevent spread.
Coneflower Diseases
Although the Echinacea is quite easy to care for, it is unfortunately quite susceptible to pest infestation. That's why you should check your perennials regularly. If a white layer forms on the leaves or flowers, this is a sign of powdery mildew infestation. This fungal disease occurs primarily from June to September and in dark locations.
Spray the affected leaves with a mixture of nine parts water and one part milk or whey, possibly also with a chemical solution. It is best to cut off very badly affected leaves. However, do not dispose of the plant cuttings in the compost, as the fungal spores could survive there and be passed on to other plants later.
If your coneflower gets brown leaves, leaflets could be responsible. Remove the affected leaves and dispose of them with household waste. Burning the leaves is also possible. In case of repeated infestations, consider using an insecticide.
Use as a medicinal plant
Like all other parts of the coneflower, the leaves are used for medicinal purposes. From July to October, i.e. during the flowering period, all above-ground parts of the plant (flowers, leaves and stems) can be collected. If you would like to use echinacea to make tea, then dry the plants as quickly and gently as possible. You can also make a tincture from it.
The most important things in brief:
- he althy leaves can be used for tea
- brown leaves possibly signs of small leaflets
- white coating indicates mildew
- never dispose of diseased leaves in the compost: risk of infection for other plants
Tips & Tricks
You can make a tea from the leaves, flowers and stems of Echinacea to prevent flu infections and colds as well as to strengthen the immune system.