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One hundred years ofEchinacea angustifolia harvest in the smoky hills of Kansas, USA

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Abstract

Echinacea angustifolia DC. (Asteraceae) is a major North American medicinal plant that has been harvested commercially in north-central Kansas for 100 years, making it one of the longest documented histories of large-scale commercial use of a native North American medicina herb. We have compiled historical market data and relate it to harvest pressure on wildEchinacea populations. Interviews with local harvesters describe harvesting methods and demonstrate the species’ resilience. Conservation measures forE. angustifolia also should address the other threats faced by the species and may include restoration and management of its mixed-grass prairie habitat and protection by private landowners.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wildlife Diversity Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, S. IH-35, 3000, 78704, Austin, TX, USA

    Dana M. Price

  2. Kansas Biological Survey, University of Kansas, Constant Ave., 2101, 66047-2906, Lawrence, KS, USA

    Kelly Kindscher

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  1. Dana M. Price
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  2. Kelly Kindscher
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Correspondence to Dana M. Price.

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Price, D.M., Kindscher, K. One hundred years ofEchinacea angustifolia harvest in the smoky hills of Kansas, USA. Econ Bot 61, 86–95 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1663/0013-0001(2007)61[86:OHYOEA]2.0.CO;2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1663/0013-0001(2007)61[86:OHYOEA]2.0.CO;2

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