Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Black-eyed Susans have bright yellow flowers with a brownish-black, dome-shaped center, or "eye." Above, a black-eyed Susan blooms at Chino Farms in Queen Anne's County, Md., on June 20, 2016. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Black-eyed Susans attract birds, bees and butterflies. (AndyeMcee/Flickr)
Black-eyed Susan can be found in fields and meadows with full sun. Above, black-eyed Susan and butterfly milkweed, left, bloom in the native plant garden at the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Md., on June 10, 2019. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
The black-eyed Susan is a native plant with golden yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer.
Appearance
The flower of the black-eyed Susan has bright yellow petals and a brownish-black, dome-shaped center. The flowers grow on stems with small, rough hairs and bloom in June to October. The plant's green leaves grow up to six inches in length. Black-eyed susans grow to four feet tall.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
After blooming, the flower’s dome-shaped center matures into a seed head full of small, black seeds. The plant then dies. Wind animals and other natural disturbances spread the seeds. New seedlings grow in spring.
Did You Know?
- The black-eyed Susan gets its name from its black center, or “eye.”
- The flowers attract birds, bees and butterflies, especially when planted in large, colorful masses.
- Black-eyed Susans are Maryland’s state flower.
- When cut, black-eyed Susans can live in a vase for six to 10 days.
Sources and Additional Information
- PLANTS Profile for Rudbeckia hirta – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Rudbeckia hirta – The University of Texas at Austin
- PlantFiles: Black-eyed Susan – Dave’s Garden
- Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay Watershed – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Quick Facts
Species
Native
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Size
2-3 in. flowers atop 1-2 ft. stems
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Habitat
Black-eyed Susan grows in fields, meadows and roadsides. It prefers full sun, and is often the first plant to appear in newly disturbed fields.
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Range
Found throughout the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed.
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Lifespan
Can be annual, biennial or perennial -
Status
Stable
