Purple coneflowers, known botanically as Echinacea, have long been favorites with gardeners in the South and now have found their way to the health food aisle in stores as medicinal plants. American Indians used it to cure a number of ailments and now herbalists use it in teas and pills. It has been credited with anti-inflammatory properties, tissue regeneration abilities and immune system stimulation. Another great attribute is that they attract butterflies like the Painted Lady and birds eat their seeds. That makes coneflowers among the best plants for landscapes dedicated to wildlife.
Purple coneflowers are also great as cut flowers.
If you let one get past its prime, simply pick the petals off and use the brown cone in the vase. Don't throw the arrangement away when you're finished. Let the flowers dry completely and then scatter the seeds around for a denser planting. I try to preach patience when growing perennials and roses - they get better with a little age. The same is true with purple coneflowers.