1 / 3Wildlife & Pollinator Value
Excellent pollinator plant. Seed heads provide winter food for finches.
Design Ideas with Black-Eyed Susan
Companion Plants
Deer & Browsing Animals
Black-Eyed Susan is generally considered deer resistant. While no plant is completely deer-proof, the foliage is typically not palatable to deer, making it a reliable choice for gardens where browsing pressure is a concern.
Drought Tolerance
Black-Eyed Susan is drought tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes, xeriscaping, and low-irrigation gardens.
Growing Conditions for Rudbeckia hirta
Light
Full Sun
Soil
Loam,Sand · Well-Drained
Water
Low
Planting, Maintenance & Propagation
Planting Tips
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring. Tolerates poor, dry soils.
Propagation
Origin & References
Native Region: North America
Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
A cheerful native wildflower with bright yellow ray petals surrounding a dark brown center. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and beloved by pollinators including bees and butterflies.
| Botanical Name | Rudbeckia hirta |
| Plant Type & Habit | Perennial, Upright |
| Hardiness Zone (USDA) | 3-9 |
| Heat Zone | 1-9 |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Sun & Exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil | Loam,Sand |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Moisture | Low |
| Evergreen / Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Seasonal Interest | Summer,Fall · Color: YellowWinter |
| Fruit / Seed | Seed heads attract goldfinches through winter |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Primary Uses | BorderMeadowCutting GardenPollinator Garden |
Tolerance
Attracts
Garden Uses
Care – Quick
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring. Tolerates poor, dry soils.
- Water:Low
- Maintenance:Low
- Propagation:Seed, Division
- Companions:Echinacea, Salvia, Ornamental Grasses