Rudbeckia hirta /rʌdˈbɛ.ki.ə ˈir.ta/
Common name: Black-eyed Susan · Brown-eyed Susan · Gloriosa daisy
Rudbeckia hirta is a flowering plant in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), native to eastern and central North America. It produces showy, daisy-like flower heads with bright yellow ray florets surrounding a dark brown to black domed central disk. Grown as an annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial depending on climate, it is one of the most popular wildflowers in gardens and meadows. It is the state flower of Maryland, where it has held that status since 1918.
Care summary
Sun
Full sun; tolerates light partial shade
Water
Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Soil
Well-drained, average to poor soil; pH adaptable
Hardiness
Zones 3–7
Mature height
About 30–90 cm (1–3 ft)
Pet safe
May be mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten
Difficulty
Easy
Propagation
Grown almost exclusively from seed: sow on the surface of moist soil in spring after the last frost, or direct-sow in autumn, and keep barely moist until germination. It self-seeds freely, so plants often return on their own year after year.
Fun facts
- It has been the state flower of Maryland since 1918, its colors matching the Maryland flag.
- The species epithet "hirta" is Latin for "hairy," referring to its bristly stems and leaves.
- The genus Rudbeckia was named by Linnaeus in honor of Swedish botanist Olof Rudbeck the Younger.
- Its flowers are an important nectar source for bees and butterflies, and the seeds feed finches in winter.