Back to Plant Library
Perennial
Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
A cheerful native wildflower with bright yellow ray petals surrounding a dark brown center. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and beloved by pollinators including bees and butterflies.
At a Glance
Hardiness Zone
3-9
Sun
Full Sun
Moisture
Low
Mature Height
2-4 ft
Mature Spread
1-2 ft
Growth Rate
Medium
Growth Habit
Upright
Type
Deciduous
Bloom & Seasonal Interest
Bloom Time
SummerFall
Bloom Color
Yellow
Winter Interest
Fruit / Seed Interest
Seed heads attract goldfinches through winter
Soil & Growing
Soil Type
LoamSand
Soil Drainage
Well-Drained
Drought Tolerant
Foliage & Form
Foliage Color
Green
Wildlife Value
Attracts BeesAttracts ButterfliesAttracts Birds
Excellent pollinator plant. Seed heads provide winter food for finches.
Tolerances
Deer ResistantDrought Tolerant
Garden Uses
BorderMeadowPollinator GardenCutting Garden
Companion Plants
EchinaceaSalviaOrnamental Grasses
Care
Maintenance Level
Low
Propagation
SeedDivision
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring. Tolerates poor, dry soils.
Native & Origin
Native Plant
Native Region
North America
Climate
Heat Zone
1-9