Cut-leaved Coneflower

Cutleaf Coneflower
Rudbeckia laciniata

A tall and striking native perennial known for its bright yellow drooping petals surrounding a raised greenish-yellow central cone. Blooming from mid to late summer, the cheerful flowers rise high above the foliage and create a bold display in moist meadows and woodland edges. The deeply divided leaves give the plant a soft, textured appearance that adds movement and height to naturalized plantings.

Cutleaf Coneflower thrives in moist soils and can form large colonies in favorable conditions. Its tall stems and long-lasting blooms make it a valuable species for pollinator gardens, wet meadows, and restoration plantings where vertical structure is desired.

Growing Conditions

• Height: 4–7 ft
• Spread: Spreading by rhizomes
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Medium to moist soils; tolerates clay and organic soils
• Hardiness: Zone 3–8
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Tolerates seasonal flooding
• Deer resistant

Ideal for moist meadows, stream edges, rain gardens, woodland edges, and naturalized plantings where tall summer color and pollinator activity are welcome.

Ecological Value

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

Known Caterpillar Hosts Include

• Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata)

• Common Tan Wave (Pleuroprucha insulsaria)

• Chickweed Geometer (Haematopis grataria)

• Camouflaged Looper (Synchlora aerata larvae often decorate themselves with flower petals)

Many generalist noctuid and geometrid moth caterpillars will also utilize Rudbeckia species as food plants.

These caterpillars become an important food source for songbirds and other wildlife, making Cutleaf Coneflower valuable in supporting native food webs.

Companion Species

• Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)
• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
• Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)
• Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
• New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)
• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
• Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

3.5 inch Pots