Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta

The black-eyed Susan is a native plant with golden yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer.

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Black-eyed Susan can be found in fields and meadows with full sun. Above, black-eyed Susan and butterfly milkweed, left, bloom in the native plant garden at the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Md., on June 10, 2019. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program) USAGE REQUEST INFORMATION The Chesapeake Bay Program's photographic archive is available for media and non-commercial use at no charge. To request permission, send an email briefly describing the proposed use to requests@chesapeakebay.net. Please do not attach jpegs. Instead, reference the corresponding Flickr URL of the image. A photo credit mentioning the Chesapeake Bay Program is mandatory. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way or used in any way that suggests approval or endorsement of the Chesapeake Bay Program. Requestors should also respect the publicity rights of individuals photographed, and seek their consent if necessary.

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Appearance

The flower of the black-eyed Susan has bright yellow petals and a brownish-black, dome-shaped center. The flowers grow on stems with small, rough hairs and bloom in June to October. The plant's green leaves grow up to six inches in length. Black-eyed susans grow to four feet tall.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

After blooming, the flower’s dome-shaped center matures into a seed head full of small, black seeds. The plant then dies. Wind, animals and other natural disturbances spread the seeds. New seedlings grow in spring.

Did You Know?

  • The black-eyed Susan gets its name from its black center, or “eye.”
  • The flowers attract birds, bees and butterflies, especially when planted in large, colorful masses.
  • Black-eyed Susans prefer full sun, and are often the first plant to appear in newly disturbed fields.
  • When cut, black-eyed Susans can live in a vase for six to 10 days.
  • Black-eyed Susans are Maryland’s state flower.

Sources and Additional Information

Tags:
Plants & Trees Herbaceous Forests & Uplands