Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Rudbeckia hirta requires a medium amount of water, frequent sunlight, and acidic and well-drained soil. It has a high drought tolerance and can easily outcompete other plants in the right growing conditions.

Growth Habit/Description:

An herb that grows to ~3ft tall with green, alternate leaves that can be 10-18cm long with rough hairs. Its flowers have narrow, bright yellow petals with a large bulb of dark brown seeds in the center.

Bloom Season:

Rudbeckia hirta has a long season, it blooms from March to November in shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

No. 

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes.   Rudbeckia hirta is a host plant to the gorgone checkerspot butterfly (Chlosyne gorgone) and bordered patch butterfly (Chlosyne lacinia). 

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.   The plant is highly deer resistant but attracts bees and butterflies for their nectar. Their seeds are fed on by granivorous birds.

Origin of Name:  Scientific name comes from Olaf Rudbeck, and black-eyed susan comes from the flower's center resembling a black eye.

Use For Food/Medicine:

The root of the plant is used to treat worms, colds, sores, snakebites, and swelling. The juice of the root is also used for ear pain.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin. (n.d.). Www.wildflower.org. Retrieved September 6, 2023, from Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed susan) | Native Plants of North America (wildflower.org) 

Gaumond, A. (2023, March 21). Black-Eyed Susan Flowers: Exploring Their Rich Meaning and Symbolism. Petal Republic.  Retrieved September 6, 2023, from Black-Eyed Susan Flowers: Exploring Their Rich Meaning and Symbolism - Petal Republic 

Last edited by Kolten Shook, September 2023.