Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susan is a common Missouri native wildflower which typically occurs in open woods, prairies, fields, roadsides and waste areas throughout the State. It is a coarse, hairy, somewhat weedy plant that features daisy-like flowers (to 3" across) with bright yellow to orange-yellow rays and domed, dark chocolate-brown center disks. Blooms throughout the summer atop stiff, leafy, upright stems growing 1-3' tall. Rough, hairy, lance-shaped leaves (3-7" long). Cultivars such as 'Indian Summer' produce huge flowerheads (6-9" diameter) that add bold, stunning color to borders. Plants of this species are sometimes commonly called gloriosa daisy, particularly the larger-flowered cultivars that come in shades of red, yellow, bronze, orange and bicolors.