E. purpurea - grows to 5 ft. A robust plant with many ovate leaves. Leaf margins are toothed. Flowers are large with petals drooping towards the stem. E. pallida - grows to 3 ft.
Leaves are lanceolate with smooth margins.
The color of the flowers vary from purple to white and are drooping. The part of the plant used in herbal preparations is traditionally the root. When eating the fresh root an unusual tingling, numbing sensation occurs in the mouth and increases saliva flow. This anesthetic-like effect is also present in the seeds when sprouted. It is a good indicator as to how fresh the Echinacea preparation is.