Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia hirta, (Black-Eyed Susan) is a native North American flower. Though they most often come in shades of gold with lemon yellow or dark umber “eye” centers, you can also find petals of fiery orange, mauve, brown, burgundy and scarlet Rudbeckia. Indigenous peoples make medicines from their roots and they feed many pollinators but are especially important to butterflies. The specific epiphet, hirta meaning “hairy,” refers to the fuzzy trichomes that cover the stem and leaves. These bright perennial flowers are a garden favorite all over the state of Maryland.

Homeland: North America

Bloom time: July-August