Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan)

From “Native Plants for Birds” handout:

Grows 1-2ft., prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Blooms early Summer to mid-Fall
Also good for: seeds, pollinators. Feeds: Waxwings, orioles, nuthatches, warblers, wrens, thrushes, jays, chickadees

GIAB:

Black-Eyed Susan
Latin Name: Rudbeckia hirta

Mature Height: 12-42” Mature Spread: 12-18” Hardy To: 8,000’

Water: Medium
Exposure: Sun
Flower Color: Bronze-Yellow
Flower Season: Summer
Attracts: Butterflies
Description: This beloved wildflower is native to the Eastern
and Central United States. It is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Throughout the summer, the cheerful Black-Eyed Susan features a bold, central disc sur- rounded by bright, yellow ray florets above stiff, hairy stems. They are considered a short-lived perennial that typically survives up to 3 years, but it will spread by seed and can be easily naturalized. To prevent its self-seeding tendency, be sure to deadhead diligently. Deadheading will also inspire new blooms! However, if you prefer instead to leave the last blooms of autumn to go to seed, then
you will enjoy visits from hungry birds and winter interest in the garden.
Care: Deadhead to encourage blooming and to minimize self-seeding. Cut back to the ground in late winter; wait for spring to allow seeding. Plants can also be propagated by division. Rud- beckia plants that become taller or bushier than desired can be cut back to about 6” to generate fresh growth.
Fun Fact: Maryland’s state flower and a symbol of justice.