Sweet Black-eyed Susan

Description

Rudbeckia subtomentosa, commonly called sweet Black-eyed Susan or sweet coneflower, is a native perennial forb (wildflower) which grows on moist prairies, along streambanks and in low areas throughout the state.

Many kinds of insects visit the flowerheads for either nectar or pollen.  The caterpillars of a butterfly, Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), sometimes feed on Rudbeckia spp. as host plants.

Quite palatable to livestock during the growing season.

Best grown in medium moisture soils that are well-drained loams in full sun. Tolerates hot and humid summers and some drought. Appreciates good air circulation. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional bloom. Borders, cottage gardens, prairies, meadows, native plant gardens or naturalized areas. Good cut flower.

Habitats include black soil prairies, sand prairies, cemetery prairies, typical savannas and sandy savannas, thickets, openings in deciduous woodlands, woodland borders, gravelly seeps, banks of streams, and banks of ditches.

This species is commonly used in the following mixes: Wet Meadow Mix, Streambank Mix

Videos About This Plant

To learn more about this plant, check out our videos about it and its uses.

Save Your Stream! Introducing the Streambank Mix

Wet Meadow Mix | Native Wildflower Mix