Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia hirta

Rudbeckia, also known as Black-eyed Susans, have sunny yellow petals and dark centers. They are perfect for brightening up any garden!

Habitat: Fields and gardens

Appearance

The Rudbeckia has cheerful daisy-like flowers with bright yellow or orange petals circling a prominent, dark brown or black domed center, resembling an eye. Its stems and leaves are often covered in fine hairs, giving it a somewhat coarse texture.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusRudbeckia

Rudbeckia

Interesting facts

Its tough roots can help prevent soil erosion in gardens and fields.

It’s also known as the Black-Eyed Susan, named for its dark central cone!

Native Americans used parts of this plant for many traditional medicines.

The dark center of the flower is actually hundreds of tiny individual flowers!

Special abilities

Rudbeckia has bright yellow petals and a dark central cone that acts like a landing pad, guiding insects to its nectar.

Rudbeckia has fuzzy stems and leaves that help it deter hungry herbivores from munching on its tasty parts.

Rudbeckia produces hundreds of tiny seeds from its central cone, allowing it to easily spread and grow in new places.

Measurements & details

Height: 30-100 cm
Spread: 30-60 cm
Flower Size: 5-10 cm
Bloom Season: Summer to Fall
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Biennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honeybee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar and pollen

pollinates

Monarch butterfly

Danaus plexippus

Feeds on nectar, aids reproduction

eaten by

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

Eats the nutritious seeds

eaten by

White-tailed deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Browses the foliage

Traits

Flowering

These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Summer Blooming

Enjoy the sunny days with these vibrant plants that show off their stunning flowers all through the warmest months, adding color to the long summer days.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!