Thin-leaved Coneflower (Brown Eyed Susan)

Brown-eyed Susan (Thin leaved Conflower)
Rudbeckia triloba

Limited Quantities

One of the longest and latest blooming native wildflowers in Ontario, Brown-eyed Susan produces hundreds of cheerful golden-yellow flowers from midsummer well into autumn. Its highly branched stems create a cloud of blooms, each with a rich dark brown centre and smaller petals than the more familiar Black-eyed Susan. The lower leaves are often distinctly three-lobed, giving this species its scientific name.

This adaptable, short-lived perennial readily self-seeds, creating natural drifts that return year after year. Its exceptionally long bloom period provides continuous colour in the garden and makes it one of the most valuable late-season plants for pollinators. The abundant flowers are also excellent for fresh-cut bouquets.

Growing Conditions

Height: 3–5 ft
Spread: 2–3 ft
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Average to moist, well-drained soils; adaptable to clay, loam, and sandy soils
Hardiness: Zone 3–8
Growth Rate: Fast
Drought tolerant once established
Ideal for meadows, prairie plantings, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes.

Ecological Value

• One of the best late-season nectar and pollen sources for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
• Seeds provide an important food source for goldfinches and other songbirds through fall and winter.
• Excellent plant for supporting biodiversity and extending pollinator habitat into autumn.
• Readily naturalizes to create resilient native plant communities.

Larval Host Plant For

Supports several native moth species and provides abundant nectar for a wide variety of butterflies and beneficial insects.

Companion Species

New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida)
Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)
Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

3.5 inch Pots