Rudbeckia hirta, commonly known as Black-Eyed Susan, is a native wildflower found in prairies, meadows, roadsides, and disturbed areas throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating a variety of conditions including drought and poor soil, making it an easy and reliable choice for pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, and prairie restorations.
This biennial or short-lived perennial typically grows 1 to 2.5 feet tall and features hairy stems and rough-textured, lance-shaped leaves. From early summer to fall, it produces striking, daisy-like flowers with bright golden-yellow petals and dark brown to purplish-black central cones. The blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and the seeds are eaten by birds such as goldfinches.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Rudbeckia hirta is a colorful, low-maintenance plant that brings long-lasting beauty and ecological benefits to a variety of landscapes. It pairs well with other native favorites like Purple Coneflower, Wild Bergamot, and Blazingstar for a vibrant and wildlife-friendly planting. Its ability to self-seed helps it return reliably year after year in naturalized settings.
Rudbeckia hirta, commonly known as Black-Eyed Susan, is a native wildflower found in prairies, meadows, roadsides, and disturbed areas throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating a variety of conditions including drought and poor soil, making it an easy and reliable choice for pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, and prairie restorations.
This biennial or short-lived perennial typically grows 1 to 2.5 feet tall and features hairy stems and rough-textured, lance-shaped leaves. From early summer to fall, it produces striking, daisy-like flowers with bright golden-yellow petals and dark brown to purplish-black central cones. The blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and the seeds are eaten by birds such as goldfinches.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Rudbeckia hirta is a colorful, low-maintenance plant that brings long-lasting beauty and ecological benefits to a variety of landscapes. It pairs well with other native favorites like Purple Coneflower, Wild Bergamot, and Blazingstar for a vibrant and wildlife-friendly planting. Its ability to self-seed helps it return reliably year after year in naturalized settings.
Bloom: early to mid-summer
Habitats: abandoned fields; areas along railroads and roadsides; eroded clay slopes; limestone glades; mesic to dry prairies; mesic to dry upland forests (particularly in open rocky areas); miscellaneous waste areas; pastures
Lifespan: annual; biennial
Moisture: slightly moist to moderately dry
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 2.5 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: fertile soil
