Echinacea laevigata is very similar to Echinacea purpurea, but is nearly glabrous, has narrower leaves, is rarely branched, and has a bifid (forked) tap root. The ray flowers are somewhat longer and narrower than those of Echinacea purpurea. The bristles (awn) of the pales are 1/4 as long as the main part of the pale and have curved tips, (the awn of the chaff in Echinacea purpurea is 1/2 as long as the body). It is found in the Carolinas and Georgia. The plant forms small stands in open woods or grassy glades. This species is a Federally-listed endangered species.

Echinacea laevigata-2765