Tennessee Coneflower Echinacea tennesseensis 'Rocky Top'
ABOUT
The Tennessee coneflower 'Rocky Top' is recognized for its distinctive flower appearance, which features a cone-shaped center with spiky, dark orange to brown disk florets. These centers are surrounded by drooping, narrow, pinkish-purple petals that give the plant a daisy-like look. The petals may range from a soft lavender to a more intense rose or purple hue, creating a striking contrast with the cone's darker tones. The foliage of the Tennessee coneflower 'Rocky Top' mainly consists of dark green, lance-shaped leaves that have a rough texture to the touch. The leaves are alternately arranged on the plant's stem, providing a lush backdrop for the prominent flowers. The overall appearance of the plant is an upright form, with stout stems that hold the flowers aloft, giving them a prominent display in garden settings. The Tennessee coneflower 'Rocky Top' is known for its resilience and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which adds to its ornamental appeal.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Tennessee Coneflower, Tennessee Echinacea, Rocky Top Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea tennesseensis
ToxicityTo humans
Tennessee Coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis 'Rocky Top') is generally considered non-toxic to humans when used appropriately. It is commonly used in herbal remedies, particularly for boosting the immune system. However, some people may experience allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort if they ingest this plant, particularly those with allergies to other plants in the Asteraceae family. There are no severe toxic consequences from ingesting Tennessee Coneflower under normal circumstances.
To pets
Tennessee Coneflower is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe for cats and dogs, and there is no well-documented evidence of poisoning from this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion in large quantities may lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet ingests a large amount of Tennessee Coneflower, it is advisable to monitor them and consult with a veterinarian if any concerns arise.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Tennessee
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Echinacea tennesseensis 'Rocky Top' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate nearby plants.
- Drought-resistant: This plant is tolerant of dry conditions once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Easy to grow: It is considered easy to cultivate and requires minimal care, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
- Long blooming period: 'Rocky Top' typically has a long flowering season, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended time.
- Resistant to deer: The plant is generally resistant to browsing by deer, which can help to maintain its appearance and health in areas with deer populations.
- Cold hardy: It is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in regions with harsh winters.
- Soil adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Landscape uses: With its distinctive blooms and upright stature, this Echinacea serves as an excellent choice for perennial borders, wildflower gardens, or as a cut flower in arrangements.
- Attractive foliage: Even when not in bloom, the plant provides visual interest with its green foliage, contributing to garden aesthetics throughout the growing season.
Medical Properties- Immune Support: Echinacea species, including E. tennesseensis, are commonly used to support the immune system.
- Common Cold: It is traditionally used to reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold.
- Upper Respiratory Infections: May help alleviate symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
- Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antioxidant: Exhibits antioxidant effects that can help protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Wound Healing: Sometimes applied topically in herbal medicine to promote wound healing.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Echinacea tennesseensis 'Rocky Top', commonly known as Tennessee coneflower, is often used as a natural fabric dye, providing a range of colors from soft greens to yellows depending on the mordant used.
- Due to its attractive and distinct appearance, Tennessee coneflower is employed in botanical illustration and photography to teach plant structure and aid in the study of plant morphologies.
- Tennessee coneflower can be incorporated into wildlife gardens to attract and support a diverse range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thus contributing to the ecological health of an area.
- The durable seed heads of Tennessee coneflower provide winter interest in gardens, offering visual appeal during the colder months when most other plants have died back or gone dormant.
- When used in companion planting, the Tennessee coneflower can assist in deterring certain pests from more vulnerable crops or ornamental plants.
- The petals of Tennessee coneflower have been creatively used in crafting, pressed flower art, or natural confetti for eco-friendly celebrations.
- Educational gardens may incorporate Tennessee coneflower as a native plant example, fostering awareness and conservation of local flora.
- The deep taproots of Tennessee coneflower aid in soil stabilization, making it a suitable plant for erosion control on slopes or in areas prone to soil degradation.
- For hobbyists practicing survival skills, Tennessee coneflower can serve as an example plant for foraging in wilderness survival scenarios, despite its exclusion as a food source.
- Culinary enthusiasts sometimes use the blooms of Tennessee coneflower as a decorative, non-toxic addition to salads, though it's not intended for flavor or consumptive benefit.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tennessee Coneflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tennessee Coneflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is widely recognized for its medicinal properties. It has been used traditionally to strengthen the immune system and combat infections.
- Strength and Durability: Given its hardy nature, the coneflower symbolizes inner strength and the ability to withstand challenging conditions.
- Prosperity: The vigorous growth and abundant blossoms of coneflowers can signify prosperity and abundance, both in health and in life.
- Integrity: The upright stance and robust stems of the coneflower represent integrity and honesty in various cultural contexts.
WaterThe Tennessee Coneflower should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. The amount of water needed per week can be roughly 1 to 2 gallons, depending on the soil's moisture retention and the plant's size. During periods of drought or extreme heat, additional water might be necessary to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Less frequent watering encourages deeper root growth and better drought tolerance. Make adjustments according to seasonal changes, watering less in cool spring or fall and more in the heat of summer.
LightThe Tennessee Coneflower thrives best in full sun, so it should be planted in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Partial shade is acceptable, especially in the afternoon when the sun is most intense, but full sun exposure will promote the healthiest growth and most abundant flowering.
TemperatureThe Tennessee Coneflower prefers a temperate climate and can survive winter temperatures as low as -30°F, making it hardy to USDA zones 3-8. During the growing season, the ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 80°F. Extreme heat above 90°F may stress the plant, so providing some shade or extra water on hot days can be beneficial.
PruningPruning the Tennessee Coneflower involves deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming season to encourage continued blooming. After the first killing frost, you can prune back the stems to ground level, or leave some stems with seed heads intact over winter to feed birds. Pruning is typically done annually, either after flowering or in late fall/ early winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Tennessee Coneflower prefers well-drained soil with a mixture of sand, loam, and compost. It thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingTennessee Coneflower does not typically need frequent repotting. Repot it only when the plant has outgrown its current container, which is generally every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingTennessee Coneflower tolerates average humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations as it is quite adaptable to outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, ensure good airflow, avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, space 18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleEchinacea tennesseensis 'Rocky Top', commonly known as Tennessee Coneflower, begins its life as a seed, often sown in fall or winter, requiring stratification through cold weather to aid in germination. In spring, the seeds germinate and establish a small rosette of leaves close to the ground during their first growing season. In the following year, the plant develops a strong root system and vegetative growth becomes more pronounced. By the second or third year, the plant reaches maturity and starts to produce its distinctive pinkish-purple flowers atop tall stems in late spring to early summer, which are attractive to pollinators. After blooming, the flowers develop into seed heads by late summer or fall, and the seeds are dispersed, often by wind or wildlife. The plant may enter a period of dormancy during the winter months, only to regrow from its perennial root system the following spring, completing its cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Echinacea tennesseensis 'Rocky Top', commonly known as Tennessee Coneflower, is typically propagated through seed sowing. The most popular method of propagation is by sowing seeds directly in fall or stratifying them indoors before planting in spring. To stratify the seeds, they should be mixed with moist sand and stored in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for about 8-10 weeks at 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7-4.4 degrees Celsius). After the cold treatment, seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix and lightly covered with soil, as they require some light to germinate. The trays or pots should be kept moist and at a temperature of approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) until germination, which typically occurs within 2-3 weeks. Once seedlings are sufficiently large, they can be transplanted into individual pots and eventually moved outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
