Echinacea

Here's a purple cone flower on its way out.  

This flower was used for many medicinal purposed by native people here in North America, and is used today as well.  Many people know it by the name "echinacea".  

This name apparently comes from the Greek word, "echino" which means "sea urchin".  You can see the spines on the head of the flower.

I love it's healthy, healing properties, but I also love how beautiful it is!