Rudbeckia hirta

Black-eyed Susan

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General

Robust native perennial of North America, distinguished by its prolific display of bright yellow or orange daisy-like flowers with prominent dark brown centers from midsummer through fall. It grows erect to heights ranging from 1 to 3 feet, characterized by hairy stems and lance-shaped foliage. Thriving in sunny sites with well-drained soil, this species is favored for its resilience and ornamental value in landscaping, including gardens, borders, and naturalistic plantings.

Plant Description

Characterized by its erect stems that bear bright yellow or orange daisy-like flowers with dark brown centers. The flowers, reaching 2-3 inches in diameter, bloom abundantly from midsummer to fall, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its lance-shaped leaves are hairy and grow alternately along the stems, complementing the cheerful and robust appearance of this North American native perennial.

Height (ft)

1-3'

Soil moisture

Well drained and moderate moisture

Soil types

Well drained various soils

Wetland indicator

FACU

Shade tolerance

Full sun

Spread

1-2'

Anaerobic tolerance

None

Drought tolerance

Medium

Range

Eastern and central Canada southward throughout the United States, extending into Mexico.

Range Image

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

Additional Information

According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, this species has been used by many tribes for medicinal purposes. The Cherokee would create a wash for swelling or warm infusions of the root to wash sores, treat earaches, dropsy and a remedy for snakebites. The Chippewa used a poultice of the blossoms for babies. The Iroquois used an infusion of roots for children with worms. The Potawatomi created infusion of the roots to treat colds and would boil the disk florets for yellow dye. The Shuswap used this species as a treatment for sore eyes and the Seminole used a cold infusion of the flowers for fevers and headaches.