Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

The Orange Coenflower prefer most soils that isn't soggy, does best with fulll sun, and hot/humid environments. 

Growth Habit/Description:

Its a "erect herbaceous perrineal Black-eyed Susan is an erect herbaceous perennial in the daisy family (Asteraceae) and native to the eastern United States. The species epithet means 'shining,' referring to the glossy yellow ray florets." (North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox) 

Bloom Season:

It first matures during the summer and its flowers bloom during the early fall.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

Yes.  The flowers are a major source of food for the songbirds in the colder months.

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes.  The Orange Coneflower for the Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly (Chlosyne nycteis) and the Wavy-Lined Emerald Moth (Synchlora aerata).

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.   It provides nectars to polinators, it's the host plant for the Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly & the Wavy-Lined Emerald Moth, and songurds use the flower duirng the fall to eat the seeds.

Origin of Name: Its Latin name means glistening while its regular names comes fro its cone like shape and vibrant orange color.

Related Plant Species: The Orange Coneflower is smaller, is more compact, and only have one flower per stem unlike its relative The Rudbeckia triloba (Brown-eyed Susan).

Use For Food/Medicine:

Most of the coneflower, including the Orange Coneflower, species has medicinal uses mostly dealing with the flu, inflammation, and other mild illnesses.

Missouri Botanical Garden: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277462&isprofile=0&gen=Rudbeckia

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=rufu2#:~:text=Duration:%20Perennial,:%20Open%20woods;%20meadows;%20pastures

North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rudbeckia-fulgida/