Black Eyed Susan, Coneflower, Gloriosa Daisy, Marguerite Jaune
Rudbeckia hirta
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Orange, Red, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.
Rudbeckia hirta is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, hoverflies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Disturbed soils in Texas.
N. America. An occasional garden escape in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of colds, dropsy and worms in children. A warm infusion of the root has been used as a wash on sores and snake bites. The ooze from the roots has been used as drops to treat earaches.
Other
Rating: 1
A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Foundation, Specimen. Succeeds in an ordinary medium soil in sun or shade. Requires a moist soil. Prefers a well-drained soil. Dormant plants are hardy to about -25°c. This species is a biennial or short-lived perennial. Some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. Special Features: North American native, Naturalizing, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow April in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within 2 weeks, prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. The seed can also be sown in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness: 4-9
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
This plant is reputed to be poisonous to cattle, sheep and pigs.