Rudbeckia laciniata
cutleaf coneflower
Overview
Rudbeckia laciniata is a tall, clump- to colony-forming perennial 3-9 feet (90-270 cm) high with branching, smooth, slightly waxy green stems. The lower leaves are large and deeply cut into three to seven toothed lobes, 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long, becoming smaller and less divided up the stem. From midsummer into early autumn it carries yellow flower heads 2.5-4 inches (6-10 cm) across, each with 6 to 12 drooping yellow ray florets around a raised, dome-shaped greenish-yellow central disc that lengthens as it matures. The heads sit on long stalks above the foliage and draw bees, butterflies, and other insects. R. laciniata grows in moist meadows, thickets, ditches, and along streams across much of North America. It spreads by rhizomes into broad stands and can crowd smaller plants. The tall stems may lean or topple in wind, rich soil, or shade.
Native Range
Rudbeckia laciniata is native across much of North America, from Quebec and the eastern provinces south to Florida and west to the Rocky Mountains and Arizona. It grows in damp, partly shaded ground such as floodplains, streambanks, moist meadows, and thickets.Suggested Uses
Planted in rain gardens, moist borders, native meadows, and the back of large beds where its height suits the scale. It is used in pollinator and wildlife plantings for late-season nectar and seed. The yellow flower heads suit cottage, naturalistic, and cut-flower gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 9'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-12 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
