Rudbeckia triloba

Brown-eyed Susan is easily identified by its unique brown center cone and the many dozens of showy golden-yellow flowers that appear in early summer. It is an herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial that grows in a wide range of environments. Fairly common in most of the North Carolina mountains and thriving in average, well-drained soils. It can be found all the way from hardwood forests to open meadows, easily reseeding itself to form large masses. The Latin triloba refers to the three-lobed basal leaves and leaves along the reddish-brown hairy stem. Freely branched stems each hold flowers that bloom from summer through autumn and make an excellent cut flower. Its basal rosette and architectural seed heads persist through the winter, adding to its attractiveness. More numerous flowers than Rudbeckia hirta, with showier and fewer petals. It would make it a great addition to a pollinator garden or meadow if you’d like to try something new! High drought tolerance and moderately deer resistant.