Purple echinacea, also known as purple coneflower and Sampson root, is a member of the daisy family that occurs naturally in the eastern United States and is widely cultivated elsewhere. 

While the herb provides long-lasting, showy flowers all summer, the root of the plant is harvested in late fall for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. The dried root is typically either decocted to make teas and infusions or is tinctured in alcohol.