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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Bright yellow black-eyed Susans grow next to orange butterflyweed.
Black-eyed Susans can be found in fields and meadows with full sun. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)

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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

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