Black-eyed Susan
Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Native Region: North America
Brief Description
A hardy herbaceous plant characterized by fuzzy, oval-to-lanceolate green leaves that grow in a basal rosette initially. The leaves are covered in stiff, coarse hairs.
Care Instructions
Provide at least 6 hours of sun and well-draining soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. For seedlings, maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging.
Medicinal Value
We do not currently provide medicinal value for plant identifications.
Sunlight
Full sun (6+ hours per day) for best flowering, though it can tolerate partial shade.
Watering
Moderate. Keep soil consistently moist for young seedlings; established plants are moderately drought-tolerant. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew.
Soil
Well-drained soil; clay, loamy, or sandy. Prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Hardiness Zone
3-9
Growth Habit
Short-lived perennial or biennial often grown as an annual. Reaches 1-3 feet in height with a similar spread.
Bloom Season
Mid-summer to early autumn. Produces yellow-to-orange daisy-like flowers with a dark chocolate central cone.
Toxicity
Generally low toxicity, but may cause skin irritation in humans and can be toxic to livestock if consumed in very large quantities.
Propagation
Easily grown from seed sown in spring or fall; can also be propagated by division of established clumps.
Common Pests & Issues
Susceptible to powdery mildew if airflow is poor. Pests include aphids and spider mites, and slugs may target young seedlings.
Similar Species
Echinacea (Coneflower) which has smoother, slightly differently shaped leaves, and Calendula, which has different leaf texture.
Interesting Facts
The Black-eyed Susan is the state flower of Maryland. Its flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and bees, particularly native bees.
Created At: 2026-05-01T11:29:51.929777