Alphabetical Plant Listing

Rudbeckia occidentalis (Western Coneflower)

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.

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 10
Heat Zones 1 – 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Rudbeckia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 2' – 6' (60cm – 180cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southwest, Nevada
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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By Beekeepx, Cristo95, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 10
Heat Zones 1 – 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Rudbeckia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 2' – 6' (60cm – 180cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southwest, Nevada
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Rudbeckia

Guides with Rudbeckia

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