Owl's Hill

The Tennessee Coneflower is an endangered plant protected by both state and federal laws. It looks like a pinkish-purple daisy whose petals or rays are horizontal to slightly upturned. A native plant of the Cedar Glade, its habitat has greatly diminished over the years because of plant succession and human encroachment. At one time it was thought to be extinct but is now recognized as being endemic to the central basin area of middle Tennessee. Cedar Glades are natural openings within a Cedar Grove. They are hot, dry, sunny areas in contrast to the cool, shady conditions found in the grove. Glade plants have had to adapt various survival methods to deal with this contrast. The Tennessee Coneflower has developed a deep root system that goes beneath the soil and limestone to tap deeper water sources. Tennessee Coneflowers were planted in the Cedar Grove at Owl's Hill during the 60's and seem to be doing well there.

Tennessee Coneflower
Echinacea tennesseensis
Family: Asteraceae (Aster or Daisy)

People
Habitats | Pond -- Field & Orchard -- Woods
Animals | Groundhog -- Whitetail Deer -- Raccoon -- Turtle
Wildflowers | Passion -- Dutchman's Britches -- Butterfly Weed -- Tennessee Cone