The Echinaceas include nine species, three of which have been studied for their medicinal properties: E. Purpurea (Purple coneflower), E. angustifolia (Narrow-leafed coneflower), and E. pallida (Pale coneflower). All are herbaceous perennials native to the North American prairies and open woodlands⁵⁸.

E. angustifolia grows to about 20 inches in height. It has a bristly disk surrounded by pale pink drooping rays and a soft tap root. E. pallida grows a little taller, though is very similar in appearance to E. angustifolia and the two species are often confused with one another.⁸ In both plants, the leaves are lance-shaped and narrow. E. purpurea has broader, toothed leaves, deeper pink petals, and characteristic orange-tipped spines in the flower disk.⁵⁸ Its root is fibrous.⁸