black-eyed Susan

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

2-4 ft. tall
1-2 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer, Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Freely self-seeds. Seedlings are easily transplanted. Large clumps can be divided in the spring or fall.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 2 ft spacing.

Plants/Diseases

Powdery mildew and slugs/snails can sometimes be issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae

Leaves

Leaves alternate, lanceolate, ovate, or spatulate with surrate margins and a rough texture; 3-6 inches long.

Flowers

Golden yellow head with 7-20 ray flowers and a dome of dark brown to black disc flowers.

Fruit

Capsule.

Bark

Stems rough and hairy.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Roadsides, old pastures/fields, woodlands.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina.

Subspecies

Rudbeckia hirta var. angustifolia

Rudbeckia hirta var. floridana

Rudbeckia hirta var. hirta

Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima