Plant Details

Rudbeckia triloba

Brown-Eyed Susan

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Rudbeckia triloba, or the Brown-eyed Susan, is a biennial (short-lived perennial) plant that grows best in full sun and moist soil. This...

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Description:

Brown-eyed Susan flowers have bright yellow rays with brown center disks. They bloom over a long period, from July to October. This hardy species grows in a variety of soil types and tolerates heat, drought, and some shade. It grows best in full sun and moist soil. Brown-eyed Susan is taller, flowers later and longer, and has smaller flowers than Black-eyed Susan.

Although Rudbeckia triloba plants are short-lived biennials, they readily self-seed and naturalize.  Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming; deadheading will also prevent any unwanted self-seeding. This species is an excellent choice for borders, wildflower meadows, pollinator gardens, and naturalized areas.

Wildlife Value: This plant provides nectar and pollen to native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and is a larval host plant for butterfly and moth species, such as the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly (Chlosyne nycteis) and Wavy-lined Emerald moth (Synchlora aerata).  Its seeds are a food source for songbirds, such as American Goldfinches.

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