Rudbeckia occidentalis (Western Coneflower)

Rudbeckia occidentalis (Western Coneflower) is an erect, clump-forming perennial with a thick, rigid, mostly unbranched stem clad with ovate, leaves with pointed tips and irregularly toothed edges. In early summer to fall, it is topped with one or more purplish-brown central cones, 2 in. long (5 cm), ringed with yellow pollen and subtended by leafy bracts radiating outward from the cone bases. There are no true ray florets. The plant is particularly favored by bees, who gather significant amounts of nectar. Native to moist mountain meadows, seeps and streambanks, typically at elevations from 4000 to 9000 feet, in the western United States, Western Coneflower is a striking addition to perennial borders, native gardens, cut flower gardens, wildflower meadows and prairies.

• Grows up to 2-6 ft. tall (60-180 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in average, consistently moist, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
• Great candidate for borders, cottage gardens, native plant gardens, meadows or mass plantings. Good cut flower too!
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew, slugs and snails. Deer resistant.
• Deadhead spent flowers to promote new bloom.
• Propagate by seed.
• Native to the northwestern United States from Washington to northern California and east to Wyoming and Montana.