Schmalblättriger Sonnenhut

Die Blütenmitte der Sonnenhutarten erinnern an den stacheligen Rücken eines Igels. Dieses Merkmal verhalf der Gattung der Sonnenhüte zu ihrem botanischen Namen "Echinacea".  Er leitet sich vom griechischen Wort für Igel, echinos, ab.

VERWENDUNG  IN  DER  NATURHEILKUNDE:

Echinacea-Präparate (Presssaft, Tinktur, Tabletten) werden zur Vorbeugung und Behandlung von Erkältungskrankheiten zur kurzzeitigen Stimulierung des Immunsystems genutzt. Man sollte das pflanzliche Arzneimittel jedoch nicht länger als acht Wochen einnehmen. Das körpereigene Immunsystem beginnt sonst schwächer zu arbeiten.
Wer auf Korbblütler allergisch reagiert, sollte Sonnenhut nicht anwenden. Ebenso nicht, wenn man Medikamente einnehmen muss, die das Immunsystem unterdrücken.

Immunsystem stimulierend wirken  3 Echinacea-Arten, nämlich ​

• Echinacea angustifolia, der Schmalblättrige Sonnenhut. Als pflanzliche Arznei dient beim Schmalblättrigen Sonnenhut die Wurzel.
   
• Echinacea purpurea, der Purpur-Sonnenhut. Beim Purpur-Sonnenhut wird das Kraut als pflanzliche Arznei verwendet: Also alles, was oberhalb der Erde wächst.
   
• Echinacea pallida, der Blasse Sonnenhut. Genutzt wird die Wurzel.
   

Prefers a deep rich loam with plenty of leafmold and a sunny position. Closely related to E. pallida and included in that species by some botanists. Slugs love this plant[K]. USDA Hardiness Zone: Zone 3-8. AHS Heat Zone: 9-1 In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is fleshy. Thick or swollen - fibrous or tap root [2-1]. Echinacea has a moderate growth rate, taking about 2-3 years to reach full maturity and flowering size. Echinacea species are generally self-fertile. Echinacea roots are typically harvested in late autumn (September to November), while the flowers can be harvested in summer when they are fully open. Echinacea usually flowers from mid-summer to early autumn.

None known

Agroforestry uses: Echinacea can be used as a pollinator plant, providing nectar for beneficial insects. It can also help improve soil health and stability. Attracts butterflies and beneficial insects including parasitic Wasps. General insect (especially bees) nectar plant. Butterfly nectar plant. Shelter plant for beneficial insects. Wildlife Food – seed-eating birds - a favorite of the American Goldfinch). Pioneer Plant – helps reestablish overused or damaged land. Drought Plant – this species can tolerate prolonged dry conditions once established. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Yes – Echinacea flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, making them attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): Yes – The seeds of Echinacea are eaten by birds and other wildlife. The plant also provides cover and habitat for beneficial insects. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): Yes – Echinacea can provide overwintering sites for beneficial insects in its leaf litter. The stems can also serve as shelter during the winter months. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): No – Echinacea does not have a strong aromatic quality that would effectively confuse pests.

Heimisch: BR, Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan); USA (Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming), Colorado, District of Columbia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Manitoba, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North America, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming Eingeführt: Alberta