Rudbeckia hirta

Black-eyed Susan is a fast-growing, upright, branching biennial or short-lived perennial in the aster family (Asteraceae) that is native to the eastern United States. Because it blooms in the first year when planted from seed in early spring, it is often mistaken for an annual. The genus name honors Olof Rudbeck, a 17th-century Swedish botanist. The species epithet means “hairy” and refers to short bristles on the leaves and stems.   

Grow black-eyed Susan in moist, well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soil and in full sun to partial shade. Moderate fertility will give you the best flower show so avoid planting it on the edges of lawns where lawn fertilizer will provide excess nitrogen. It freely self-seeds and usually remains in the garden. 

Flowers are typically composed of a brown or green domed center surrounded by bright yellow or orange ray florets that first mature in midsummer and, with deadheading, continue into the middle of fall. The flowers attract a variety of insect visitors and pollinators. Each plant may reach 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide and is moderately resistant to salt, deer, and drought.  

In the landscape, use black-eyed Susan on a slope or bank or in a naturalized area. Add it to a coastal, butterfly, native, or pollinator garden. Planted in small groups it is suitable for a border or foundation planting. 

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to powdery mildew, snails, and slugs.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.