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Rudbeckia amplexicaulis

clasping coneflower

Asteraceae South-central United States

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterHigh

Overview

Rudbeckia amplexicaulis, also placed in the genus Dracopis spp., is an annual wildflower in the aster family, growing 1-2.5 ft (30-75 cm) tall on smooth, branching stems. The blue-green leaves are oblong and clasp the stem with rounded, ear-like bases, a feature that gives the plant its common name. From April to July the stems carry daisy-like heads 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) across, with drooping yellow rays that are often marked reddish-brown to maroon toward the base, surrounding a raised, columnar dark cone. As the head ages the central cone elongates. The flowers draw bees and butterflies, and the seeds feed small birds. The plant grows in moist prairies, ditches, floodplains, and roadside swales across the south-central United States, favoring damp, open ground. As an annual it completes its cycle in one season and relies on prolific self-seeding to return. It tolerates seasonal flooding and clay soils but flowers poorly in deep shade or dry sites. It can be confused with true Rudbeckia spp. coneflowers, which are often perennial and have rough, non-clasping leaves.

Native Range

Rudbeckia amplexicaulis is native to the south-central United States, centered on Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and neighboring states, with naturalized stands farther east. It grows in moist prairies, ditches, floodplains, and low roadsides.

Suggested Uses

Rudbeckia amplexicaulis is used in wildflower meadows, rain gardens, pond edges, and moist native plantings for late-spring color. It supports bees, butterflies, and seed-eating birds. It suits damp, sunny areas where many drought-loving wildflowers would fail.

How to Identify

Rudbeckia amplexicaulis is recognized by its smooth blue-green leaves that clasp the stem with rounded bases and its daisy heads with drooping yellow rays and a tall dark central cone. The rays are often stained reddish-brown near the base. The clasping leaves and annual habit separate it from the rough-leaved, often perennial Rudbeckia hirta.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'6"

Width/Spread9" - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering runs from April to July, peaking in late spring. Each head has reflexed yellow rays around a cone that lengthens as seeds form. Bees and butterflies work the flowers, and goldfinches and other birds take the ripe seed.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow with maroon base

Foliage Description

blue-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

clay loam silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Rudbeckia amplexicaulis grows in full sun to part shade on moist to wet soils and tolerates clay and seasonal flooding better than most coneflowers. As an annual it is sown from seed in autumn or early spring and completes its cycle in one growing season. It needs steady moisture during growth and flowering and falters on dry sites. No winter care applies once the plant has set seed and died. It self-sows freely where soil stays open and damp, returning year after year. Removing some spent heads limits spread while leaving others feeds birds and reseeds the stand.

Pruning

Pruning is not needed for this annual. Deadheading spent flowers extends bloom and controls self-seeding, while leaving late heads yields seed for birds. Plants are cleared after they die back at season's end.