Extensive, detailed study of individual species is an important part of our work. Read more about our work on these important medicinal plants.
Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) – The most important medicinal plant of the Native Americans from the Great Plains, Echinacea has grown to international importance due to its immune-stimulating properties
![](https://nativeplants.ku.edu/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Osher-tour-027-1024x680.jpg)
Oshá (Ligusticum porteri): An important medicinal plant, Oshá grows at high elevations in the southern Rocky Mountains and Sierra Madre. It is used extensively by Hispanics and Native Americans to treat upper respiratory infections.
![](https://nativeplants.ku.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Hilary-with-Osha-Root.jpg)
Wild Tomatillos (Physalis spp.) – A weedy, wild plant, yet the Wild Tomatillos were historically an important native food. We have found these plants contain interesting novel compounds with strong anti-cancer properties.
![](https://nativeplants.ku.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Physalis-longifolia2-1024x768.jpg)
Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) – Milkweeds are important pollinator plants that also have edible and medicinal properties.
![](https://nativeplants.ku.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_7092-Screen-2.jpg)
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) – An native fruit tree that produces unique-tasting fruits important to Native Americans and enjoyed by a variety of people today.
![](https://nativeplants.ku.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_7845-Screen-1024x819.jpg)