Black-Eyed Susan

Watercolor painting of a yellow-orange circular object
Illustration of a deer inside a prohibition sign with a diagonal line through it, indicating no deer allowed.
Watercolor painting of a bumblebee with yellow, black, and white coloration.
A combined image of a hummingbird and a fish, with the body resembling a hummingbird and the tail and fins resembling a fish.

Black-Eyed Susan
Sullivant’s Coneflower
Orange Coneflower

Asteraceae

Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia fulgida

Common name(s)

Family

Genus

Full scientific name

Digital illustration of a ladybug with red wings, black spots, and a black head.
A watercolor illustration of a water droplet with a light gray top half and a blue bottom half.
A watercolor illustration of a rabbit inside a circle with a diagonal line through it, symbolizing prohibition or no rabbits.
Watercolor illustration of a monarch butterfly with black, orange, and white wings.

The black-eyed susan, scientifically known as the Rudbeckia fulgida, is a captivating perennial that adds a burst of color and charm to any garden or landscape. This North American native plant features tall and slender stems, topped with striking daisy-like flowers in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. What makes the black-eyed susan truly captivating is its cone-shaped central disc, composed of numerous tiny florets, creating a captivating spiral pattern that is both beautiful and intricate. Not only does the black-eyed susan possess exceptional aesthetics, but it also attracts a wide range of pollinators, including butterflies and bees, making it an invaluable addition to any pollinator habitat. Furthermore, this resilient plant has the ability to thrive in a variety of soil types and shows remarkable resistance to drought, making it a low-maintenance choice that effortlessly enhances the natural beauty of any outdoor space.

Growth form:
Wild flower

Maximum height:
60 cm

Light requirements:
Full sun

Type:
Perennial

Maximum spread:
45 cm

Water requirements:
Mesic

Drought tolerant:
Yes

Rabbit resistant:
Yes

Attracts wildlife:
Bees, humming birds
Butterflies, other insects

Native:
Yes

Deer resistant:
Yes

Bloom time:
Late summer to early fall