$3.00
Out of stock
Description
A durable, long-lived perennial with a sturdy tap root. Was believed to be extinct until it was rediscovered in the 1960s. Current known populations occur in about 5 locations in three counties of central Tennessee near Nashville. The species was listed as federally endangered from 1979 until 2011. Stems are pubescent with leathery, linear or lance-shaped leaves. The blades are dark green, pubescent, and entire. Flower orientation is similar to a sunflower. Rays extend out from the cone instead of being reflexed like those of E. purpurea. Heads are held almost perpendicular to the ground. They face east and tend to follow the sun. The 2-3” heads are solitary with reddish-pink, widely spaced rays. The rays are narrow and are usually slightly upturned, causing the flower head to have a slightly cupped shape. The spiny cone is a dark purplish or brownish color and is made of many disc florets. For about a month in summer, bees and butterflies flock to the flowers. Prickly clusters of dark achenes form after flowering and remain into early winter. The ideal site has full sun and a lean, well-drained soil. Plants tolerate part sun, but are less robust and less floriferous. Plants grow 2–2.5 feet tall with a 1–2-foot spread. (2 in. plug)