Family: Common Name(s): Danville Grown by:Kristin Yanker-Hansen Agapanthus X 'Storm Cloud' & 'Blue Sapphire' Liliaceae (10 species of S. African perennials) agape=love anthos=flower The cultivar names say it all on these sun-loving 'African lilies.' --- Agastache sphaeralcea Giant hyssop Lamiaceae (30 species of aromatic perennials from Asia and N. America) agan=very much stachys = an ear of wheat, in reference to the many flower spikes. Beloved of hummingbirds and other pollinators in arid, hilly landscapes, these sub-shrubs delight the eye and olfactories, as well. --- Helenium autumnale sneezeweed Asteraceae (~40 species of annuals, biennials and perennials found in damp meadows or woodland margins in North and Central America) helenium = derived from another plant named for Helen of Troy autumnale = pertaining to autumn Unlike the related and salubrious Echinacea, sneezeweeds cause severe discomfort if any part is ingested while contact with the foliage may aggravate skin allergies. That caveat aside, they make sturdy long-blooming part-shade to sun-loving displays in damp areas and make good cut flowers. Apiarists and butterflies also value them. --- Echinacea purpurea purple coneflower Asteraceae (9 species of strong, stiff perennials of dry prairies, gravelly hillsides and open woodland in central and eastern North America with think, short rhizomatous rootstocks) Echinos = 'a hedgehog,' in allusion to the prickly scales of the receptacle. The 'cone,' composed of the disk flowers and stiff paper bracts, is remarkably sturdy and prickly feeling'try it! Used as an immune system stimulant'especially with the bitter tasting root of goldenseal (Hydrastis). Also used for wounds, fevers, colds and colics, nausea and 'nerves.' Photo by Steve Morse