Rudbeckia fulgida Aiton

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Black-eyed Susan

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Clade: Eudicots
  • Clade: Asterids
  • Order: Asterales
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Genus: Rudbeckia
  • Species: R. fulgida
  • Scientific Name: Rudbeckia fulgida Aiton

Common Names

  • Black-eyed Susan
  • Perennial Coneflower
  • Orange Coneflower

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Description

Rudbeckia fulgida, commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its bright yellow to orange daisy-like flowers with a dark brown or black central cone. The plant typically reaches heights of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) and forms clumps with a spread of about 18 inches (45 cm). The leaves are alternate, simple, and roughly lance-shaped with toothed margins, measuring 3 to 7 inches (7.5 to 18 cm) in length. The blooming period is from mid-summer to early autumn.

Known Range

Black-eyed Susan is native to the eastern and southeastern United States, extending into parts of the Midwest. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9 and is commonly found in meadows, open woods, prairies, and along roadsides.

Care Requirements

  • Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
  • Soil: Grows best in well-drained soil; adaptable to a range of soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils.
  • Watering: Moderate watering; once established, the plant is fairly drought-tolerant.
  • Fertilization: Generally not necessary; however, a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring can promote vigorous growth.
  • Pruning: Deadheading spent flowers encourages prolonged blooming and prevents self-seeding. Cut back the stems in late fall or early spring to maintain plant health and appearance.
  • Pests/Diseases: Resistant to most pests and diseases but can be susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spots. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can mitigate these issues.
  • Propagation: Can be propagated by seed, division, or basal cuttings. Division is best done in spring or fall.

Additional Notes

Black-eyed Susan is valued not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its role in supporting pollinators. It attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The plant is also deer-resistant, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations. In landscape design, it is often used in wildflower meadows, borders, and as a naturalized groundcover.


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