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Rudbeckia hirta
large black-eyed Susan
North America east of the Rocky Mountains, from southern Canada to northern Mexico; prairies, open woodlands, roadsides, and disturbed ground
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Key Features
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low
Overview
Rudbeckia hirta is black-eyed Susan (brown-eyed Susan), an upright biennial or short-lived perennial growing 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Bright golden-yellow ray florets surrounding dome-shaped brown-purple to nearly black central discs in flower heads 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) from June through October (20 weeks). Medium green ovate to lance-shaped densely rough-hairy leaves 2-7 inches (5-18 cm) — hirta = hairy, the diagnostic species feature. In Asteraceae. State flower of Maryland. Native to North America east of the Rocky Mountains. Technically a biennial or short-lived perennial — most plants flower in the second year and die after seeding, but self-sows freely so the planting persists. Often grown as an annual from spring-sown seed. Drought-tolerant once established. Tolerates poor soil, clay, and heat. Susceptible to powdery mildew and septoria leaf spot. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 3-9. Full sun. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to North America east of the Rocky Mountains, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Found in prairies, open woodlands, roadsides, and disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Grown in prairie plantings, cottage gardens, mixed borders, cut flower gardens, and in containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L), spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). Long bloom. Self-sowing. Native to eastern North America. Non-toxic. Zones 3-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Summer to mid fall (June-October). Golden-yellow ray-floret-and-dark-disk daisy flower heads 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). 20 weeks. Bee- and butterfly-visited. Seed heads feed goldfinches in fall and winter.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright golden-yellow ray florets surrounding a dome-shaped brown-purple to nearly black central disc; flower heads 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) on long upright stems; June-October — 20-week bloom seasonFoliage Description
Medium green, ovate to lance-shaped, 2-7 inches (5-18 cm), coarsely toothed margins, densely rough-hairy throughout (hirta = hairy — diagnostic feature for the species)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-8 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6-8 hours). Well-drained loam, sand, or clay pH 5.5-7.0. Drought-tolerant once established. Tolerates poor soil and heat. Self-sows freely. Susceptible to powdery mildew. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 3-9.Pruning
Deadhead through summer to extend bloom. Leave seed heads in fall for goldfinches. Cut back to ground in late fall or early spring. Allows self-sowing for naturalized plantings.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
9 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
Direct sow after last frost; or start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost for early bloom
Days to Maturity
70–100 days
Plant Spacing
15 inches