Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii
ABOUT
The plant known as black-eyed Susan boasts a striking and cheerful appearance that is a favorite in many gardens. Its most distinctive feature is the flower head, which combines bright golden-yellow petals that radiate from a dark brown or black central cone. The petals are typically ovate in shape with a slightly ragged edge, giving them a wildflower aesthetic. The leaves of this plant are deep green, with a matte finish, and have a lanceolate shape, contributing to an overall lush and bushy look. The foliage is arranged alternately on the stems, creating a backdrop that further accentuates the vividness of the flowers. The dark center cone, which gives the black-eyed Susan its name, is not just a color contrast; it is also textured, adding to the visual interest of the plant. The texture comes from the packed multitude of tiny disc florets that make up the cone. Black-eyed Susans bloom profusely, often creating swathes of golden color in the landscape. Their prolific flowering habit means that from late summer to early autumn, gardens are often alight with their warm hues, drawing in butterflies and other pollinators. The overall appearance of the black-eyed Susan is one of rustic charm and robust vitality, making it a celebrated choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of lasting color to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Deam's Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, Orange Coneflower.
Common names
Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii.
ToxicityTo humans
Black-eyed Susan is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and some people might experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction when handling or ingesting parts of the plant. It is always advisable to exercise caution and keep plants out of the reach of small children who may ingest them.
To pets
Black-eyed Susan is not typically known to be toxic to pets. Most pets can interact with this plant without any adverse effects. Although not common, some animals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of the plant. Always monitor your pets and prevent them from consuming large quantities of any non-food plants. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially harmful substance, contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and birds, adding to biodiversity in the garden.
- Drought Resistance: The plant is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for low-water-use gardens.
- Long Blooming: It provides a long-lasting display of vibrant yellow flowers from mid-summer to early fall.
- Low Maintenance: This variety of Black-Eyed Susan is low maintenance, requiring minimal care once planted.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil.
- Landscape Uses: With its bright flowers, the plant is excellent for borders, wildflower gardens, or as part of a mass planting for visual impact.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps to reduce soil erosion on slopes and in areas prone to losing topsoil.
- Seed Production: The seeds produced by the plant in late fall provide food for birds, especially finches.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife habitat: Black-Eyed Susan provides cover and nesting opportunities for small birds and other wildlife in naturalized areas.
- Natural dye: The flowers can be used to create a yellow dye for textiles or crafts.
- Educational tool: This plant is useful for teaching about pollination and the life cycle of perennial plants in school gardens.
- Photography subject: With its bright flowers, Black-Eyed Susan is a popular subject for photographers, especially those interested in macro photography.
- Artistic inspiration: The vibrant colors and forms of this plant can inspire artists for paintings, drawings, and other forms of visual art.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried, the flowers can be used in bouquets and arrangements to add a pop of color.
- Soil Erosion Control: This plant's root system can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and in areas of loose soil.
- Companion planting: Black-Eyed Susan can be planted alongside vegetables as part of a companion planting strategy to attract beneficial insects.
- Seasonal celebrations: The flowers can be used as natural decorations for fall festivals or events due to their autumnal hues.
- Garden borders: Black-Eyed Susan serves well as a border plant due to its height and ability to fill spaces with vibrant color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Black-eyed Susan is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Black-eyed Susan is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Optimism and Positivity: Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii, commonly known as the Black-Eyed Susan, often symbolizes hope, positivity, and optimism due to its bright, sunny appearance and its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.
- Justice: In the language of flowers, the Black-Eyed Susan has been connected to the concept of justice, perhaps inspired by its steady, upright growth and the way it reliably returns year after year.
- Encouragement and Motivation: The plant can represent encouragement or motivation to someone facing challenges, echoing the resilience of the Black-Eyed Susan in the face of environmental challenges.
- Longevity and Good Health: The toughness and perennial nature of Black-Eyed Susan make it a symbol for longevity and good health, wishing the receiver a life as enduring and vibrant as the flower itself.
WaterBlack-eyed Susan should be watered regularly, aiming for at least 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or manual watering. During the growing season, especially if you're in a hot, dry climate, you might need to water a couple of times a week to maintain consistent soil moisture. It's important to avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the root zone. When established, these plants are somewhat drought tolerant, requiring less frequent watering, but newly planted specimens will need consistent watering to establish a strong root system.
LightBlack-eyed Susan thrives in full sun conditions, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, they can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates where some afternoon relief from the intense sun can be beneficial. The ideal spot for Black-eyed Susan would provide bright morning light with some protection during the hottest part of the day.
TemperatureBlack-eyed Susan plants are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, typically from 30°F to 85°F. They can survive minimum temperatures as low as -30°F, making them suitable for many climates. For optimal growth and flowering, they prefer a temperature range from 60°F to 70°F, which helps them produce healthy foliage and vibrant blooms.
PruningPruning Black-eyed Susans encourages a tidier growth habit and can promote more robust flowering. Deadhead spent blooms regularly throughout the blooming season to encourage new flowers. Cut back the foliage to a few inches above ground level after the first hard frost in the fall. This can be done annually, and the best time for more thorough pruning or division of plants is in the spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlack-eyed Susan thrives in well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter; ideal pH ranges from 5.8 to 7.0.
RepottingBlack-eyed Susans rarely need repotting; if necessary, do it in the spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingBlack-eyed Susan tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Black-eyed Susan in bright light, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, ensure soil is well-draining.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleRudbeckia fulgida var. deamii, commonly known as Deam's coneflower, begins its life cycle as a seed, which under suitable environmental conditions germinates in spring. The seedling develops into a rosette of leaves close to the ground, and as the plant matures, it produces a sturdy stem with large, oblong to lanceolate leaves. In midsummer to early autumn, Deam's coneflower blooms, displaying showy yellow flowers with a prominent central dark brown cone. After pollination by insects, the flowers produce seeds that are dispersed by wind, animals, or gravity. The plant then enters a period of senescence, with aerial parts dying back to the ground in the late autumn. Deam's coneflower is a perennial plant, thus it re-emerges from its root system the following spring to restart the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early autumn
The Black-Eyed Susan, botanically known as Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii, is most commonly propagated by seed. The best time to sow the seeds is in late winter or early spring, when temperatures start to warm up but before the onset of intense heat. Sow the seeds on the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix and lightly press them into the soil, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide plenty of light. Seedlings usually emerge in 1 to 2 weeks at temperatures between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius), after which they can be thinned out and eventually transplanted outside following the last frost.
