In my  video series Herbs for Hens®, I focused on the edible flower Echinacea. 

I grow and use Echinacea in my chicken keeping, as well as for beautiful, hardy cut flowers in the house all summer.

Echinacea is a hardy perennial that is easy to grow from seed. It likes full sun and well-drained soil.

Herbs for Hens® Echinacea

Did you know that Echinacea (cone flower) has wonderful antioxidant, respiratory and immune system benefits for your chickens?

Touted for it's immune system-boosting benefits, Echinacea is an ingredient in many commercial cold medications, and can benefit your flock similarly.

I dry and crush the petals and leaves and add them to our chickens' layer feed, I also feed fresh petals and leaves to them free-choice.

The blooms, leaves, stems and roots of the Echinacea plant are all edible and can be steeped into a 'tea' for your family or your flock. 

The flowers also make pretty cut flowers for indoor arrangements and can be used to garnish cakes and desserts.