Tennessee Coneflower (Echinacea Tennesseensis ‘Rocky Top’)

Tennessee Coneflower

Features and Characteristics

Echinacea tennesseensis, commonly known as Tennessee coneflower, is a U.S. native plant. It is only known to exist naturally on certain glades near Nashville, Tennessee, and is on the Federal Endangered Species List. A daisy-like coneflower which features slightly upturned, rose-purple petals (ray flowers) and spiny, coppery center disks with a green tinge. Long summer bloom period from June until August. Flowers grow on rigid stems up to 5′ tall, with dark green, linear foliage. This species is very similar to E. purpurea (Missouri native), except that E. tennesseensis is somewhat less vigorous and smaller, and has shorter, more upturned ray flowers, a vertical rootstock and more narrow, linear leaves.

Genus name of Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos meaning hedgehog or sea-urchin in reference to the spiny center cone found on most flowers in the genus.

Specific epithet means of Tennessee.

‘Rocky top’ typically grows to a compact 24-30” tall. It features daisy-like coneflowers (2-3” diameter) with well-spaced, upward-turned pink rays and black central cones. Flowers bloom from June to August with some sporadic later bloom.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Must be grown in isolation from other species of Echinacea (several miles) in order to harvest seed that retains the genetic integrity of the endangered species. Moreover, if planted with other species or cultivars of Echinacea, it may be crowded out due to its less vigorous growth habit.

Although ‘Rocky Top’ may be originally planted from seed (it is a seed variety), it may not come true from self-seeding in the garden.

Tennessee Coneflower (Echinacea Tennesseensis ‘Rocky Top’) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Sun light	Full Sun To Part Shade
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Japanese beetle and leaf spot are occasional problems.

Uses

Grow in the same manner as other coneflowers by massing in the border, meadow, naturalized area, wildflower garden or part shade area of the woodland garden.

Tennessee Coneflower (Echinacea Tennesseensis ‘Rocky Top’) Details

Common name	Tennessee Coneflower
Botanical name	Echinacea Tennesseensis 'Rocky Top'
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Asteraceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Pink Rays And Blackish Cone
Flowering period	June - August
Height	2 - 2.50 Feet
Width	1.50 To 2 Ft.