Rudbeckia hirta

Black-eyed Susan is a stiff, moderately fast growing, upright branching biennial or short-lived perennial in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Native to the eastern United States but it has become endemic throughout North America. Seen as an annua because it blooms in the first year when planted from seed in early spring, however, it freely self-seeds and usually remains in the garden for many years. In North Carolina, it grows as a biennial reaching a height of 4 feet and can be found growing along banks and roadsides.

The leaves are alternate with toothed or almost a smooth margin. Some leaves may have 3 or more lobes. Flowers are composed of a brown, domed center surrounded by bright yellow ray florets (sometimes orange) which first mature in mid-summer and, with deadheading, continue into mid-fall.  

Black-Eyed Susan forgives neglect and has moderate drought tolerance. It matures rapidly in average, well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. The trick to growing black-eyed Susan is to give it full sun in decent soil. Moderate fertility will give you the best flower show, so avoid the edges of lawns where lawn fertilizer will provide excess nitrogen. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to powdery mildew. Watch for slugs and snails on young plants.

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