Tennessee purple coneflower
Echinacea tennesseensis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Tennessee purple coneflower, scientifically known as Echinacea tennesseensis, is a rare perennial herb endemic to specific limestone outcrops in the Southeastern United States. Renowned for its vibrant blooms, this species shares the medicinal heritage of its relatives, traditionally valued for supporting immune health and providing potent antioxidant properties.
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native range
- Northern America
- Parts used
- Flower · Leaf
- Common names
- Tennessee Purple-Coneflower · Tennessee Coneflower
- Scientific synonyms
- Echinacea Pallida Var. Tennesseensis · Echinacea Angustifolia Var. Tennesseensis · 1 more
Names
Common Names
- Tennessee purple-coneflower
- Tennessee coneflower
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Echinacea tennesseensisSynonyms
- Echinacea pallida var. tennesseensis
- Echinacea angustifolia var. tennesseensis
- Brauneria tennesseensis
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Echinacea tennesseensis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asteraceae and is specifically categorized under the genus Echinacea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Echinacea | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is characterized by a very specific and limited geographical range. It is found exclusively within the Southeastern United States. More precisely, its natural habitat is restricted to the state of Tennessee. Because of this narrow distribution, it is considered a localized species. This specific location defines the primary area where the plant can be discovered in the wild.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Tennessee | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Echinacea tennesseensis, exhibits a distinct structural morphology where each part contributes to its overall growth and medicinal potential. The sturdy stems provide the necessary vertical support to elevate the plant above the surrounding vegetation, while the large, often hairy leaves are strategically positioned to maximize sunlight absorption for photosynthesis. At the summit of the stems, the prominent flowers serve as the plant's reproductive center, characterized by their unique cone-shaped centers and drooping petals. Beneath the soil, the extensive root system acts as the foundation, anchoring the plant firmly in its habitat and storing the vital nutrients required for its survival.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| flower | Cytokine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | Cytokine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | Cytokine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | Cytokine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Echinacea tennesseensis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include IL 10, TNF alpha.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| IL 10 | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| TNF alpha | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
IL 10
- Cytokine
TNF alpha
- Cytokine
Medicinal Uses
Echinacea tennesseensis has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include influenza, upper respiratory infections.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| influenza | Cytokine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| upper respiratory infections | Cytokine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| ethanol tinctures | Cytokine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |