Sweet Black eyed Susan
(Rudbeckia submentosa)
Left: Rudbeckia submentosa 'Sweet Black eyed Susan' in ASMSA Garden in late Summer 2023.
Above: Reference photo of blooming Rudbeckia submentosa ' Sweet Black eyed Susan'
Plant Characteristics
Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:
Sweet Black Eyed Susan is best grown in partial to full sun. Well draining soil is preferred. However, they are tolerant of most soil types.
Growth Habit/Description:
Medium sized plant up to 6' in height and 2-3' wide. Clumped, perennial growth. Green alternate leaves with serrated edges. Yellow flowers that look similar to daisies. Dark brown disks in center if flower. Spreads moderately and self seeding. Generally a fast-growing species.
Bloom Season:
Yellow flowers bloom in late summer to early fall.
Fall and/or Winter Interest?
Yes. Sweet Black eyed Susan provides food for birds in the winter.
Distribution
Habitat: Sweet Black eyed Susan is found in savannas and prairies in the Central United States. Usually found in undisturbed areas.
Native to Arkansas? Yes
Native to Garland County? Yes
Endemic to Arkansas? No
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
Yes. Sweet Black eyed Susan is the host plant to Silvery Checkerspot and Wavy-lined Emerald caterpillars.
Other Known Ecological Value?
Yes. Rudbeckia subtomentosa attracts many different types of pollinators and serves as a food source for many birds.
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: Named by Linnaeas (the father of taxomomy) in honor of a famous father-son duo named "Rudbeck" who were both botanists at Uppsala. The species name comes from "sub" which means hairy.
Related Plant Species: Rudbeckia subtomentosa is related to Rudbeckia hirta which is treated the same way, but lives for a shorter amount of time. You can tell these two apart by noticing if the flower has 8-20 petals (R. hirta) or 10-16 (R. subtomentosa) as well as noticing if the leaves are lobed (R. subtomentosa) or unlobed (R. hirta).
Use For Food/Medicine: Has been historically used as treatment for snakebites.
References
“Rudbeckia.” RHS, https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/rudbeckia Accessed 17 September 2024.
“Rudbeckia subtomentosa - Jersey-Friendly Yards.” New Jersey Yards, https://www.jerseyyards.org/plant/rudbeckia-subtomentosa Accessed 17 September 2024.
“Rudbeckia subtomentosa Sweet coneflower from New Moon Nurseries.” New Moon Nursery, https://www.newmoonnursery.com/plant/Rudbeckia-subtomentosa Accessed 17 September 2024.
“Rudbeckia subtomentosa Sweet coneflower from New Moon Nurseries.” New Moon Nursery, https://www.newmoonnursery.com/plant/Rudbeckia-subtomentosa Accessed 17 September 2024.
“Sweet Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia subtomentosa Pursh.” Friends of the Wildflower Garden, https://www.friendsofeloisebutler.org/pages/plants/sweetblackeyesusan.html Accessed 17 September 2024.
"Rudbeckia subtomentosa Pursh" Missouri Plants,
https://www.missouriplants.com/Rudbeckia_subtomentosa_page.html Accessed 9 October 2024.
Last edited by Riley Richardson, September 2024.