Black Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima

Native to: Species native across New England; this variety only in VT, MA

Life cycle: Biennial or Short-Lived Perennial

Light: Full/Partial Sun

Soil Moisture: Medium-Wet to Medium-Dry

Height: 1-2’
Spread: 12-18”
Spacing: 10-12”

Blooms: Jun-Oct
Bloom Color: Yellow

Natural Habitat: Dry meadows, roadsides, and disturbed areas

Pairs Well With: Butterfly milkweed, smooth blue aster, foxglove beardtongue, and sundial lupine

Benefits: Pollinator Favorite, Deer/Rabbit Resistant, Bird Favorite, Urban Environment, Drought Tolerant, Salt Tolerant, Host Plant

“A bright golden-yellow meadow coneflower with a black center that blooms from mid-summer to fall. It attracts numerous butterflies when in bloom, and birds to its seed heads. Thrives in poor, dry soils. Will bloom the first year from seed; easy to establish in waste areas. A good urban plant for sunny dry locations.”

–Wild Seed Project

“Black-eyed Susan is one of the larval host plants of the Silvery Checkerspot. Its bright yellow flowers attract many different butterflies, moths, and bees. This plant is of high value to pollinators.”

–Prairie Moon Nursery