Black Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima

Height: 2-3 ft
Spread: 1-2 ft
Bloom Time: May-July
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Medium, Dry, Very Dry
​Life Cycle: Short-lived Perennial

The yellow flowers of Black-eyed Susans have characteristic protruding brown/black centers. A species of open, sunny areas, they are prolific self-seeders. Although they can be short-lived perennials, they easily persist in habitat corridors through this self-seeding habit. Unlike many cultivar Rudbeckias that exist, the local native species does not spread by roots to form colonies and its leaves are narrow and hairy. Black-eyed Susans are a host plant for the caterpillars of Silvery Checkerspot butterflies. American Goldfinches also feed upon the seeds.