Black Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Asteraceae · perennial · native
Last updated
As of March 31, 2026, soil temperature at Kent / Auburn is 47.7°F. Black Eyed Susan, hardy to Zone Zones 3a–8b, is in early-season conditions in Zone 8b.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), also called gloriosa daisy, is an erect perennial in the Asteraceae family native to the central and eastern United States. It reaches 2-4 ft tall with a 1-2 ft spread and grows rapidly. Flowers feature 10-20 orange-yellow to red rays 2-4 inches wide surrounding a dark dome, blooming May through July. The stems and leaves are distinctively hairy.
Black-eyed Susan is hardy in zones 3a-8b and prefers sun to part shade with moist, well-drained soil (clay, loam, sand; pH 6.0-8.0) and moderate water. The plant tolerates deer, drought, and clay soil. It produces long-lasting cut flowers. The plant is noted as toxic.