Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta

A classic native wildflower known for its bright golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark brown central cone. Blooming from early summer through fall, Black-eyed Susan brings bold color and long-lasting blooms to prairies, meadows, and pollinator gardens. Its cheerful flowers are among the most recognizable native plants in North America and are highly valued for their ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions.

This short-lived perennial or biennial readily reseeds itself, allowing it to persist and spread naturally in suitable habitats. Its upright stems and vibrant blooms create a striking display while supporting a wide diversity of pollinators.

Growing Conditions

• Height: 1–3 ft
• Spread: Clumping, self-seeding
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Dry to medium moisture; tolerates sandy, loamy, and clay soils
• Hardiness: Zone 3–8
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Drought tolerant once established
• Deer resistant

Ideal for prairies, meadows, pollinator gardens, roadside plantings, and naturalized landscapes where long-lasting summer color is desired.

Ecological Value

• Excellent nectar source for bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects
• Seeds provide food for birds such as goldfinches in fall
• Supports a wide diversity of pollinators throughout summer
• Contributes to biodiversity in meadow and prairie ecosystems

Larval Host Plant For

• Wavy-lined Emerald Moth (Synchlora aerata)
• Chickweed Geometer (Haematopis grataria)
• Other native moth caterpillars that feed on plants in the Aster family

Companion Species

• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
• Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
• Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta)
• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
• Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

3.5 inch Pots