BLACK EYED SUSAN Rudbeckia hirta
Rudbeckia hirta, commonly called black-eyed Susan, is a North American flowering plant in the sunflower family, native to Eastern and Central North America and naturalized in the Western part of the continent as well as in China. It has now been found in all 10 Canadian Provinces and all 48 of the states in the contiguous United States.
Rudbeckia hirta is one of a number of plants with the common name black-eyed Susan. Other common names for this plant include: brown-eyed Susan, brown betty, gloriosa daisy, golden Jerusalem, English bull's eye, poor-land daisy, yellow daisy, and yellow ox-eye daisy.
Rudbeckia hirta grows 30–100 cm (12–39 in) tall by 30–45 cm (12–18 in) wide. The flowers are up to 10 cm (4 in) in diameter, with yellow ray florets circling conspicuous brown or black, dome-shaped cone of many small disc florets.
Rudbeckia hirta is widely cultivated in parks and gardens, for summer bedding schemes, borders, containers, wildflower gardens, prairie-style plantings and cut flowers.
The black-eyed Susan was designated the state flower of Maryland in 1918. In this capacity it is used in gardens and ceremonies to celebrate, memorialize and show affection for the state of Maryland and its people. It also grows wild throughout much of the state.
Butterflies are attracted to Rudbeckia hirta when planted in large color-masses, creating a beautiful spectacle.
Type: Hardy Perennial
Hardiness zones: 4-9
Height: 36"
Location: Sun or part shade
Seeds per pack: 30
Germination: These plants should be fairly easy to germinate! Your planting container should have holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and flatten the surface. Keep moist until germination. Once seedlings emerge, place the pot in a sunny place, or under bright grow lights.
