Black-eyed Susan

Native across the Cross Timbers, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains, Texas Blackland Prairies, and Western Gulf Coastal Plain, Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is an adaptable deciduous perennial valued for both ornamental appeal and ecosystem support. It features distinctive gray-green foliage. During Spring, Summer, and Fall, the plant produces brown, yellow blooms. Flowering is followed by ornamental fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene that add seasonal interest. Early spring leaves boiled for greens by Cherokees and other Southeastern peoples. It plays a key ecological role as a larval host plant for Central Texas butterflies, including Silvery Checkerspot. It provides essential nectar, shelter, or forage for native wildlife, including Bees, Birds, Butterflies, and Nectar Insects. Thriving in clay, dry, loam, moist, rich, sand, and well drained, Black-eyed Susan demonstrates outstanding hardiness once established. It requires minimal supplemental water and tolerates dry spells with ease.