Black Eyed Susan

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.