A perennial plant native to the United States, Echinacea ( Echinacea angustifolia) was used as aremedy by the Plains Indians more than any other plant. Also known as purple coneflower or black simpson, Echinacea has been used extensively for its many health benefits.

Another highly revered plant by American Indians was  the versatile Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis). Often referred to as "yellow root", they used the brilliant golden juice extracted from its roots as an ornamental dye for their clothes and weapons, paints for their faces, and as a traditional herb for health concerns. Early settlers adopted  the use of Golden Seal which along with Echinacea quickly became a mainstay of American herbalism.