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Waterville Area Cultural History Center
Home of the Redington Museum
Heading 6
Black eyed susan
Rudebeckia hirta
Plant Type
Perennial
Hardiness Zone
4 - 8b
Flower Color
Yellow
Bloom Period
Spring
Height at Maturity
2 feet - 4 feet
Width at Maturity
1 foot - 2 feet
Sun Requirements
Sun
Soil Type
Clay, loam, moderately moist
About this species:
The black eyed susan is an upright, branching perennial. The leaves are toothed and alternate along the stem. The flower is daisy like in appearance with a brown domed center.
Butterflies and moths, flies and beetles are attracted to this plant for its nectar. Song birds, such as the American goldfinch, and small mammals enjoy the seeds as well as stems and leaves. The black eyed susan is also a larval host for butterflies. If you leave this plant standing, you can enjoy the birds that visit in the winter.
There are no serious diseases or insect issues however it sometimes is affected by powdery mildew. It is deer resistant and drought tolerant.
Key to Label Symbols:
Shelter | Hollow stems, leaves and roots are sources of shelter for wildlife. Insects may make a winter home under dropped leaves. Other animals may make shelters within the roots of the plant. | |
Food Source | Birds and other wildlife use the seeds, berries and leaves for their food source. Leaves may be used to help build nests for birds | |
Nectar Source | Bees, butterflies, birds and some insects use nectar for their food. Pollen is also used by some wildlife. |
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