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| • | A statuesque native prairie plant that is a butterfly and goldfinch magnet! |
| • | Shiny green leaves are topped with loose clusters of bright yellow flowers in August and September. |
| • | Combines very well with other natives like Dallas Blues Switch Grass, Little Joe Joe-Pye Weed, and Blonde Ambition Grama Grass. |
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Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia
Sun exposure: full sun (6 or more hours of sunlight a day)
Soil: performs best in most garden soils
Traits
Special Care Instructions
None. Easy to grow and trouble free.
Flowering Time
June through September, depending on the variety.
Characteristics, Uses, and Fun Facts
Black-eyed Susans are one of the most popular perennials available today! These natives are tolerant of tough conditions and the occasional summer drought. They have a long season of bloom and a sturdy, upright habit. The gold daisy-like flowers have a distinct dark brown central cone and are held on branching stems. Do not deadhead these cones if you want winter interest since the black seed heads remain attractive throughout the winter and the seeds provide a source of food for small birds.
Black-eyed Susan has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb by various native North American tribes to treat a wide range of ailments. The root has been used traditionally as an herbal remedy to rid the body of parasitic worms. The Chippewa used infusions of the roots to treat worms in children. They also made a poultice or external wash as a treatment for snake bites. A juice extracted from the roots has been used to treat earache, and the flowers have been used to make a yellow dye.
Varieties
Soil: performs best in most garden soils
Traits
Special Care Instructions
None. Easy to grow and trouble free.
Flowering Time
June through September, depending on the variety.
Characteristics, Uses, and Fun Facts
Black-eyed Susans are one of the most popular perennials available today! These natives are tolerant of tough conditions and the occasional summer drought. They have a long season of bloom and a sturdy, upright habit. The gold daisy-like flowers have a distinct dark brown central cone and are held on branching stems. Do not deadhead these cones if you want winter interest since the black seed heads remain attractive throughout the winter and the seeds provide a source of food for small birds.
Black-eyed Susan has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb by various native North American tribes to treat a wide range of ailments. The root has been used traditionally as an herbal remedy to rid the body of parasitic worms. The Chippewa used infusions of the roots to treat worms in children. They also made a poultice or external wash as a treatment for snake bites. A juice extracted from the roots has been used to treat earache, and the flowers have been used to make a yellow dye.
Varieties
Growing Conditions
Midwest Native
Attracts Songbirds
Goldsturm (R. fulgida var. sullivantii) 24-48" tall
| • | Possibly one of the most well known of our native prairie plants! |
| • | Flashy golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers and black cones. |
| • | Flowers profusely in July and August. |
| • | Combine with Little Bluestem, Iron Butterfly Ironweed, and Blazing Star for a native garden with color all season long. |
Autumn Sun (R. laciniata 'Herbstsonne') 5-7' tall
| • | This short bushy selection grows to about 14" tall and is covered in large yellow daisy-like flowers in late summer. |
| • | Its smaller stature allows it to be used toward the front of the border and it combines wonderfully with grasses, Coneflowers, and other natives. |
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Little Goldstar (R. fulgida var. sullivantii) 14" tall
Viette's Little Suzy (R. fulgida var. sullivantii) 12-14" tall
| • | Deep, golden-yellow flowers are produced from mid-summer into fall. |
| • | Typically begins to flower about 4 weeks before Goldsturm Black-eyed Susan. |
| • | Rarely troubled with diseases or insects problems. |
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Deer Resistant
Attracts Butterflies
Good Cut Flowers
Goldsturm Black-eyed Susans