Pale Purple Cone Flower Echinacea pallida
SYNONYMS
Black Sampson, Echinacea, Echinacea pallidae radix, Kansas Snakeroot, Narrow-Leaved Cone Flower, Narrow-Leaved Echinacea, Narrow-Leaved Purple Coneflower, Pale Coneflower, Pale-Flowered Echinacea, Pale Purple Coneflower
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Flora and Fauna of Illinois
Name:
Pale Purple Cone Flower Echinacea pallida
SYNONYMS
Black Sampson, Echinacea, Echinacea pallidae radix, Kansas Snakeroot, Narrow-Leaved Cone Flower, Narrow-Leaved Echinacea, Narrow-Leaved Purple Coneflower, Pale Coneflower, Pale-Flowered Echinacea, Pale Purple Coneflower
Description:
Most of the leaves occur near the base of the plant, although a few of them alternate along the lower 1/3 of the stem. They are up to 9" long and 2" across, and narrowly lanceolate, oblanceolate, or ovate. The margins are smooth, but often curl upward, while the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are covered with fine white hairs. Leaf venation is primarily parallel, although a few fine pinnate veins may be present.
This native perennial plant is up to 3' tall and unbranched. The stout central stem is greyish or reddish green and covered with coarse white hairs.
Discussion:
All of the Purple Cone flowers were used by Native Americans
for medicinal purposes. The roots are still highly
sought after for the making of herbal medicines and tonics.
The illegal digging of these roots poses a major threat
for this species in certain areas of the Prairie region.
Distribution:
Central and southwestern U.S., Europe
Found in dry and mesic prairies and open savannas.
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References:
Creator:
White Heath Elementary School
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