Plant Profile: Rudbeckia fulgida

Black-eyed Susan is a robust herbaceous perennial that typically reaches heights of 2 to 3 feet. Its numerous yellow flowers, resembling daisies and featuring a brownish-purple center, begin to bloom in early summer and persist through the fall. A rosette of leaves at the base of the stem remains throughout winter, providing an appealing ground cover during the colder months. To support local wildlife, it’s beneficial to leave the seed heads intact for birds, while removing spent floral stalks encourages a vibrant display of green foliage.

This plant is known for its ease of cultivation, flourishing in all soil types except for overly wet conditions. It thrives best in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. Black-eyed Susan is resilient against hot, humid summers and, once established, can withstand periods of drought. The plant propagates through underground stems called rhizomes, forming expansive clumps. It can be divided in spring or fall for propagation, or grown from seeds. This versatile plant is ideal for perennial beds, backgrounds, pollinator gardens, naturalized areas, and borders. Larger flower heads may require staking for support.

Typically, garden centers offer various cultivars of this species. Notably, Black-eyed Susan was honored as the 1988 NC Wildflower of the Year, a recognition facilitated by the North Carolina Botanical Garden with support from the Garden Club of North Carolina.

**Quick Identification Tips:**

**Pests, Diseases, and Other Plant Issues:**

This plant can encounter various pest and disease challenges.