Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is one of the most common American wildflowers. Part of the family Asteraceae, they are also sometimes called Ox-Eyed Daisy, Brown Betty, Poorland Daisy, and Golden Jerusalem. In this area we know them as Black-Eyed Susans and they grow abundantly in fields and other open and sunny areas. The flowers are long-lasting and have bright yellow ray florets with a brownish-purple dome-like center that becomes more conical as the season progresses. The flowers can have as few as eight or as many as twenty-one florets, and the florets can also vary in shape and size, which can make for an interesting comparison between different types. Black-Eyed Susans stand erect with stiff, branching stems that can grow up to two or three feet high. They will grow in almost any soil but prefer full sun. They bloom from June through August and beyond (they’re still blooming here now in September).
Written by Shirley | Filed Under Enjoying Nature, Plants in my Gardens, Voluntary Simplicity, Wildflowers
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Comments
Comment by farmingfriends:
I think these are such cheery, pretty flowers. sara from farmingfriends
Comment by Shannon:
I think you have a nice site. I learned a lot about feverfew, which I have in my yard.
Comment by Brenda:
They are beautiful, but is anyone allergic to them?
Comment by Shirley:
Brenda, I have read recently that black-eyed susans have been put on a list of skin irritants and listed as a possible allergen, but we used to pick them and handle them and never had a problem. They still don’t bother any of us.
Comment by Seyna:
I just moved into a new home with a big backyard (by my standards — I am a city kid).
There are lots of black-eyed susans. As a matter of fact, TOO MANY. I understand they send out creepers (or whatever they are called) to spread.
Any suggestions on how to cut them back?
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