Since its discovery, more than half of the known populations of the Smooth Coneflower have been destroyed, mainly because of agricultural clearing, as well as residential and industrial development. Historically, it has always been a rare plant. There are a total of 23 existing populations of this attractive plant, 13 of which are in decline and only one of which is increasing in size. It is likely that this species relies on fire and large herbivores to maintain the open conditions it likes and requires for survival.

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