Summer blooms - Purple Cone Flower

Purple Cone Flower - Echinacea purpurea is a native prairie wildflower (native to the Eastern half of the lower 48 states). It is regularly found in gardens due to it's bold appearance and it attracts a wide variety of butterflies.
The flower is regularly used to make a herbal tea, purported to help strengthen the immune system. An extract can be found in liquid and tablet form in many health food stores.