Rudbeckia triloba, commonly known as Brown-Eyed Susan, is a native biennial to short-lived perennial found in prairies, open woods, thickets, and disturbed areas throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of a variety of soil types, making it a versatile and low-maintenance choice for native plantings.
This plant features branching stems with rough, toothed, tri-lobed leaves and produces masses of small, daisy-like flowers with bright yellow petals and dark brown to nearly black central cones. Blooming from mid-summer into fall, Brown-Eyed Susan attracts a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beetles. Plants typically grows up to 5 feet tall and may reseed readily under the right conditions.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Rudbeckia triloba is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, and pollinator habitats. It provides long-lasting seasonal color, supports beneficial insects, and pairs well with other late-season bloomers like Asters, Goldenrods, and native grasses. Its airy form and abundant blooms make it a charming and ecologically valuable addition to both formal and naturalized landscapes.
Rudbeckia triloba, commonly known as Brown-Eyed Susan, is a native biennial to short-lived perennial found in prairies, open woods, thickets, and disturbed areas throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of a variety of soil types, making it a versatile and low-maintenance choice for native plantings.
This plant features branching stems with rough, toothed, tri-lobed leaves and produces masses of small, daisy-like flowers with bright yellow petals and dark brown to nearly black central cones. Blooming from mid-summer into fall, Brown-Eyed Susan attracts a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beetles. Plants typically grows up to 5 feet tall and may reseed readily under the right conditions.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Rudbeckia triloba is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, and pollinator habitats. It provides long-lasting seasonal color, supports beneficial insects, and pairs well with other late-season bloomers like Asters, Goldenrods, and native grasses. Its airy form and abundant blooms make it a charming and ecologically valuable addition to both formal and naturalized landscapes.
Bloom: mid-summer to late summer
Habitats: abandoned fields; black soil prairies; edges of fens; meadows and openings in wooded areas; prairie remnants along railroads; riverbanks; roadsides; savannas; thickets; vacant lots
Lifespan: biennial; short-lived perennial
Moisture: moist to mesic
Plant type (height): forb (up to 5 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: fertile loamy soil (soil with some clay or gravel is tolerated)
