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Echinacea laevigata
These amazing flowers are federally endangered. Grow to a height of about 1.5 m. Flower petals (technically rays) are pink to purple and usually drooping, 5 to 8 cm long.
Historically , the habitat of the smooth coneflower was dependent on fire which has been eliminated from the majority of its range. This nice population was spotted at a nature preserve in North Carolina. The site had recently been burned and was nice and open. Most populations occur on roadsides or other open disturbed areas.
Never seen so many bumble bees in one place... they really love these flowers!
2 Comments
Thank you, Jim! Definitely always good to see areas that are managed with imperiled species in mind, especially when the management is clearly helping!
Nice series, Marylou...especially when you seek out endangered species. Well done!