Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta
Plant Type: Annuals
Native Environment: Prairie
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Yellow
Fall Color:

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Sun Exposure 
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
Dry
Nature Attracting
Butterfly
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators, Food/Small Animals
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

12 to
36
inches

Spread:

15 to
24
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
36
inches
Spread: 15 to
24
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
36
inches
Spread: 15 to
24
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Yellow dye can be made from the plant. Tea made from leaves used in folk medicines for colds.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grows in almost any soil type except wet areas. Self seeds in open ground abundantly. Spent flower heads can be removed to encourage more flowers later in the season. Short-lived perennial.
Special Features
Special Usage
Containers, Fresh Cut Flower
Basic Description

This plant is easy to grow and grows fast to give a bright show of color, but is rather short-lived. Will self-seed after blooming, to give another display later in the year. Flowers mid-spring through summer. Large yellow flowers with dark brown centers.

Where Should I Start?

Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.

What’s the Next Step?

Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!

Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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