Searching...
Plant Search
Search for any plant to learn how to grow it.
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
flowerBlack-eyed Susans are cheerful perennial or annual wildflowers featuring bright yellow petals surrounding a dark brown or black central disk. They are drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plants that bloom prolifically from early summer through fall. These native North American flowers attract pollinators and are excellent for naturalizing in gardens, meadows, and containers.
Looking for a specific variety?
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone βThrives in zones 2-10; hardy perennial in zones 3-11
Sign up to see your zone highlighted.
Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves. Plants are delicate and low to ground.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they develop 2-3 true leaves. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants develop sturdy stems with lance-shaped leaves. Foliage is bushy and green; no flowers yet.
Water moderately. Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching if desired. Reduce fertilizer or use low-nitrogen formula to prevent excessive leafy growth. Thin crowded plants.
Budding & Early Bloom
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear at stem tips. First flowers open, displaying bright yellow petals and dark central disk.
Begin weekly watering schedule. Do not overwater or overfertilize. Remove any diseased buds. Support tall varieties with stakes if needed. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Peak Flowering
6-12 weeksPlant is covered in open flowers. Maximum color and pollinator activity occur during this stage.
Deadhead regularly to extend flowering. Water deeply but infrequently. Monitor for pests and disease. Enjoy the blooms and pollinator activity. Allow some flowers to remain for seed production if desired.
Seed Maturation & Decline
4-6 weeksPetals fade and drop; seed heads darken and mature. Plants may produce late-season flowers if deadheaded, or focus energy on seed production.
Stop deadheading if you want seeds for self-sowing. Cut back plants after first frost (perennials). Leave seed heads for winter interest and wildlife food. Allow volunteer seedlings to grow from dropped seeds.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden βPlant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply neem oil or sulfur spray if needed
-
Remove infected leaves, avoid wetting foliage, apply fungicide if severe
-
Spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, encourage natural predators like ladybugs
-
Increase humidity, spray with neem oil, improve air circulation
-
Hand-pick early morning, use row covers, apply neem oil or pyrethrin
Uses
Edible Petals & Tea
CulinaryBlack-eyed Susan petals are edible and can be used fresh in salads or as a garnish. Dried petals can be brewed into a mild herbal tea with a slightly sweet, honey-like flavor. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalNative Americans traditionally used Rudbeckia species to support immune function and reduce inflammation. Modern herbalists use dried flowers and roots in teas and tinctures for general wellness. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdBlack-eyed Susans are excellent long-lasting cut flowers for fresh bouquets and floral arrangements. Their cheerful appearance and durability make them popular for wedding flowers and everyday table arrangements. [source]
Pollinator & Bird Support
WildlifeThese flowers are a primary nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Mature seed heads provide food for finches and other seed-eating birds throughout fall and winter. [source]
Dried Flowers & Natural Dyes
CraftDried Black-eyed Susan flowers are popular in dried arrangements, wreaths, and crafts. The petals can be used to create natural yellow dyes for textiles and other craft projects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers for bouquets in early morning when stems are turgid. Use sharp scissors and cut just above a leaf node. Flowers typically last 7-10 days in a vase with fresh water. For seed collection, allow flowers to mature on the plant until seed heads are brown and dry (late summer/fall). Cut entire seed head and dry indoors, then rub to release seeds.
Fun Facts
- π± Black-eyed Susans are the state flower of Maryland and native wildflowers across much of North America, thriving in prairies and open woodlands.
- π± A single plant can produce hundreds of seeds, which will self-sow in favorable conditions, creating naturalized colonies year after year with minimal care.
- π± The dark center disk is composed of hundreds of tiny disk florets, while the bright 'petals' are actually ray floretsβtogether they form the composite flower structure typical of the Asteraceae family.
Want to save this plant and get personalized recommendations?
Sign up to add plants to your list, see your growing zone highlighted, and get planting timelines based on your frost dates.