Georgia Native Wildflowers

Volume 3, Issue 1
January 6, 2012
Georgia Native Wildflowers
Table of Contents
Georgia Native
Echinacea, commonly known as Wildflowers the coneflower, is a very popular genus of
pg. 1
wildflowers native to the eastern and central
United States. These plants are among the most
reliable flowering plants for southern gardens, Dead Tree Removal
and a number of great cultivars of Echinacea
pg. 2
have been introduced which extend the range of flower colors available in these carefree
perennials. Some of the most exciting new
Echinacea introductions are hybrids developed Lockerly Trustees
Echinacea pallida
by Atlanta plantsman Bobby Saul, owner of
ItSaul Plants. We have used Echinacea cultivars
Monica Webb,
extensively in our flower beds, and have offered
President
many of the latest cultivars at our spring plant
sales. All of the Echinacea species are drought
Joe Mangum,
and heat tolerant, require full sun, and attract
Vice President
hordes of butterflies.
Robert Culberson, Ph.D.,
Echinacea pallida, or Pale Coneflower, is
Treasurer
native to the southern U.S. This is an interesting
wildflower, and it makes a worthy addition to any
Sherrill Jones,
sunny flower border. It sports dark green, 3-5”
Secretary
long leaves and flowers with dark central cones
surrounded by narrow strap-like, drooping petals.
Kathy Chandler
E. pallida was commonly used by Native
David Evans
Americans as an herbal remedy, and to this day
Steven M. Fortier, Ph.D.
it is used as an herbal supplement, reputed to
Jan Flynn, Ph.D.
enhance human immune responses. Plant this
George Hogan, Sr.
perennial in full sun, and they will generally take
Eddie Lipscomb
care of themselves.
James Marshall
Carol McRae
Echinacea purpurea is the most popular
Echinacea purpurea
Jackie Nelson
species of this genus for the garden. Commonly
known as the Purple Coneflower, this is a beautiful plant that is considered one of the most Doug R. Oetter, Ph.D.
Joni Smith
dependable perennials for early summer color. The 3-4” daisy-like flowers consist of a brown
Bruce Vaughn, CFP
central cone with bronze tint, surrounded by broad, rose to purple petals. This plant is tough and
Al Woods
handles summer heat well, making it an ideal choice for southern landscapes. They do best in
full sun and do not require much care once established. Plants
begin to flower in June, making a grand display for about two
to three weeks or more. The cut flowers or fruits make a great
addition to any summer arrangement. There are many
cultivars of this species, most notably ‘Ruby Star’, which we
have used extensively at Lockerly. This cultivar is highly
regarded for its extra-large, magenta-red flowers which
appear from early summer into fall, after many other
perennials have finished blooming. This Echinacea is unlike
others in the species in that its petals are held in a refined,
horizontal arrangement, instead of drooping. E. purpurea
‘White Swan’ is another beautiful cultivar. It is not as cold
hearty or vigorous as its common purple relative, but it makes
up for this with its unique, pure white flowers. For a wide
range of colors beyond purple, be sure to check out the Big
Sky Series of cultivars developed by ItSaul Plants. All these
new introductions have really expanded the possibilities for
using E. purpurea in the landscape.
Echinacea purpurea ‘Ruby Star’
Also native to Georgia is the Smooth coneflower, E. laevigata. It differs from common Purple Coneflower by
having smooth, rather than hairy leaves. Another Georgia native is E. simulata, or Wavyleaf Coneflower. This species
features pale pink-purple flowers which attract birds and butterflies. It is basically identical to E. pallida, except for
pollen color. E. simulata has yellow pollen, while the pollen grains of E. pallida are white.
These Echinacea species will enhance any sunny flower garden with a minimum of care. New cultivars and
hybrids are being introduced each year, so look for them in nurseries and garden centers, and don’t hesitate to give them
a try.
Dead Tree Removal
Sweat Family Tree Service has been working at
Lockerly for the past two weeks, removing dozens of dead pine
trees. This past summer, a combination of heat, drought and
insect infestation took its toll on trees throughout the southeast.
In addition to the extremely stressful conditions experienced
last summer, many of the pines at Lockerly are reaching the end
of their expected lifespan. Most of trees the Arboretum lost this
year were Loblolly Pines (Pinus taeda), and many are over 100
years old. Some of these trees were over 40 inches in diameter.
To complete this project, Jeff Sweat and his crew have had to
work in extremely difficult terrain in some cases, and we
appreciate their skill and hard work. Cutting down and
removing scores of dead trees has been a difficult and
expensive undertaking, but it is absolutely necessary for safety
and the health of the Arboretum forest. Clearing portions of the
Arboretum will also open it up for redevelopment and
replanting for the future. Some of the dead trees are being ground up to provide mulch to resurface the Arboretum’s trails,
and others will be sold for timber.