Echinacea tennesseensis, Tennessee Coneflower

Declared endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on June 6, 1979, E. tennesseensis survives in only 5 wild populations in central Tennessee's cedar barrens. Loss of habitat is attributed to overgrazing and wildcrafting. This leafy, softly hairy coneflower has long light purple upturned rays cupping around a dark solitary cone.

Grow specs: Like other Echinacea, Tennessee coneflower is drought tolerant preferring full sun, and alkaline, well-drained soil. Stratify seed for 60 days at 41F or direct seed in fall in area where winter climes dip below freezing for several weeks. Does well in cultivation.

Roots are known to contain cynarine, an agent thought to relieve upset stomach, lower cholesterol, guard against bacterial infection and topically, to treat sunburn.
$3.00

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