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