Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) is a biennial or short-lived perennial boasting brilliant yellow daisylike flowers, 3 in. wide (7 cm) with a dark chocolate center disk. Enjoying a fairly extended blooming season, from early summer to fall, the flowers are attractive to butterflies, birds, and pollinating insects. They are borne atop stiff, upright stems clad with rough, hairy, lance-shaped leaves, 3-7 in. long (7-17 cm). This native prairie plant forms a rosette of leaves the first year, followed by flowers the second year. It will bloom the first year from seed planted in early spring. Black-Eyed Susan self-seeds freely and keeps a presence in the landscape. Putting on a spectacular show in the garden when other plants are starting to fade, Rudbeckia hirta tolerates heat, drought, and a wide range of soils except wet ones. The cheerful blossoms of the Black-eyed Susans are best in natural landscapes where they are allowed to self-sow and roam freely.

• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60cm).
• Thrives in full sun in average, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant but responds well to occasional watering. Additional irrigation in a dry year will lengthen the flowering season.
• Ridiculously easy to grow, Black-Eyed Susan is a great candidate for mixed borders, cottage gardens, cottage gardens or prairies, and meadows. Excellent cut flowers.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew, slugs, and snails. Deer resistant.
• Remove and discard spent flowers to encourage extended blooming and prevent unwanted seedlings next season.
• Easily propagated by seed in fall or spring. Spring-sown seed should be stratified.
• Rudbeckia hirta is native to Eastern and Central North America.