Rudbeckia sp.

Found throughout the eastern United States, black-eyed Susans are one of North Carolina’s most common field and roadside wildflowers. Several species exist, all easily recognized by the flower’s dark, cone-shaped center and bright yellow, ray petals. The long-lasting flowers appear in early summer and bloom sporadically into fall. The blossoms provide an excellent source of nectar to butterflies and other insects. Planting the flowers in groups will make them more attractive to butterflies. Goldfinches and other seed-eating birds visit the flowers in autumn to pluck mature seeds from the flower heads.

Cool Links:

Black-eyed Susan sliding puzzle - classic sliding tile puzzle from the Columbia River Fisheries Program Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Black-eyed Susan coloring page - one of a series of wildflower coloring pages illustrated by Dorothy A. Riddle on the Celebrating Wildflowers Web site.

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photo: Mike Dunn