Description
Description
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a hardy wildflower recognized for its cheerful, daisy-like blooms featuring bright golden-yellow petals that radiate around a distinctive dark brown to nearly black central cone. Sometimes called gloriosa daisy or yellow ox-eye daisy, it is native to North America and thrives in prairies, meadows, and open fields, where it often grows in colorful swathes. Its coarse, hairy stems and leaves give it a rugged texture that contrasts with the smooth brilliance of its flowers.
Blooming through summer into early autumn, it serves as a nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while producing seeds that feed birds. Culturally, it is celebrated as a symbol of encouragement and resilience, often used in naturalized plantings and wildflower mixes. Its ability to adapt to a variety of soils and climates has made the Black-Eyed Susan a beloved emblem of North American landscapes, combining ornamental charm with ecological importance.
Dimensions & Sizes
Dimensions & Sizes
Black Eyed Susan has a typical overall height between 1’-3’ (30-91 cm) and spread diameter of 3’-4’6” (91-137 cm).
Description
Description
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a hardy wildflower recognized for its cheerful, daisy-like blooms featuring bright golden-yellow petals that radiate around a distinctive dark brown to nearly black central cone. Sometimes called gloriosa daisy or yellow ox-eye daisy, it is native to North America and thrives in prairies, meadows, and open fields, where it often grows in colorful swathes. Its coarse, hairy stems and leaves give it a rugged texture that contrasts with the smooth brilliance of its flowers.
Blooming through summer into early autumn, it serves as a nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while producing seeds that feed birds. Culturally, it is celebrated as a symbol of encouragement and resilience, often used in naturalized plantings and wildflower mixes. Its ability to adapt to a variety of soils and climates has made the Black-Eyed Susan a beloved emblem of North American landscapes, combining ornamental charm with ecological importance.
Dimensions & Sizes
Dimensions & Sizes
Black Eyed Susan has a typical overall height between 1’-3’ (30-91 cm) and spread diameter of 3’-4’6” (91-137 cm).
3D Model
3D Model
Common Questions
Common Questions
Flowers
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Flowers
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How much water do most flowering plants need?
Most flowering plants need about 1 to 1.5 liters of water per square foot (10.7–16 cm³ per cm²) per week. This is roughly equal to soaking the soil to a depth of about 2.5 cm (1 inch), which ensures the roots get enough moisture without waterlogging. During hotter weather or for container plants, adjust the amount slightly. Always check the soil before watering to avoid overwatering and root rot.
When is the best time to plant flowers?
The best time to plant flowers depends on the type—cool-season or warm-season—and your local climate. Generally, spring is ideal for most annuals and perennials, as the soil warms and frost risk decreases. Fall is also good for planting certain perennials and bulbs, giving roots time to establish. Always check the flower’s specific growing needs and your region’s planting zone for the most successful timing.
How do flowers attract pollinators?
Flowers attract pollinators through a combination of color, scent, shape, and nectar. Brightly colored petals signal bees, butterflies, and birds, while sweet or strong fragrances draw pollinators from a distance. Some flowers have patterns or markings that guide insects to their nectar and pollen. In return for food, pollinators help transfer pollen between flowers, enabling reproduction and the formation of seeds and fruit.
How much water do most flowering plants need?
Most flowering plants need about 1 to 1.5 liters of water per square foot (10.7–16 cm³ per cm²) per week. This is roughly equal to soaking the soil to a depth of about 2.5 cm (1 inch), which ensures the roots get enough moisture without waterlogging. During hotter weather or for container plants, adjust the amount slightly. Always check the soil before watering to avoid overwatering and root rot.
When is the best time to plant flowers?
The best time to plant flowers depends on the type—cool-season or warm-season—and your local climate. Generally, spring is ideal for most annuals and perennials, as the soil warms and frost risk decreases. Fall is also good for planting certain perennials and bulbs, giving roots time to establish. Always check the flower’s specific growing needs and your region’s planting zone for the most successful timing.
How do flowers attract pollinators?
Flowers attract pollinators through a combination of color, scent, shape, and nectar. Brightly colored petals signal bees, butterflies, and birds, while sweet or strong fragrances draw pollinators from a distance. Some flowers have patterns or markings that guide insects to their nectar and pollen. In return for food, pollinators help transfer pollen between flowers, enabling reproduction and the formation of seeds and fruit.
Meadow & Wildflowers
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Meadow & Wildflowers
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How do I create a wildflower meadow in my yard?
Creating a wildflower meadow begins with selecting a sunny location and removing existing grass or weeds. Choose a seed mix suited to your region and soil type. Scatter seeds evenly over loosened soil, lightly rake, and press them in for contact. Water gently until established. Avoid fertilizing, mow only once a year, and enjoy a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly landscape that changes beautifully with the seasons.
Will wildflowers return every year?
Wildflowers may return each year depending on whether they are annuals, biennials, or perennials. Perennials and self-seeding annuals often reappear with minimal care, while others may need reseeding. Proper site conditions, like full sun and well-drained soil, encourage natural reseeding and longevity. Allowing flowers to go to seed increases the chances of yearly blooms and a thriving, self-sustaining wildflower meadow over time.
What’s the difference between native wildflowers and garden flowers?
Native wildflowers are plant species that naturally occur in a specific region without human intervention. They’ve adapted to local climates, soils, and wildlife over time. Garden flowers, on the other hand, often include cultivated or non-native species selected for color, size, or blooming habits. While garden flowers may be decorative, native wildflowers typically require less maintenance and offer better ecological benefits for pollinators and local habitats.
How do I create a wildflower meadow in my yard?
Creating a wildflower meadow begins with selecting a sunny location and removing existing grass or weeds. Choose a seed mix suited to your region and soil type. Scatter seeds evenly over loosened soil, lightly rake, and press them in for contact. Water gently until established. Avoid fertilizing, mow only once a year, and enjoy a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly landscape that changes beautifully with the seasons.
Will wildflowers return every year?
Wildflowers may return each year depending on whether they are annuals, biennials, or perennials. Perennials and self-seeding annuals often reappear with minimal care, while others may need reseeding. Proper site conditions, like full sun and well-drained soil, encourage natural reseeding and longevity. Allowing flowers to go to seed increases the chances of yearly blooms and a thriving, self-sustaining wildflower meadow over time.
What’s the difference between native wildflowers and garden flowers?
Native wildflowers are plant species that naturally occur in a specific region without human intervention. They’ve adapted to local climates, soils, and wildlife over time. Garden flowers, on the other hand, often include cultivated or non-native species selected for color, size, or blooming habits. While garden flowers may be decorative, native wildflowers typically require less maintenance and offer better ecological benefits for pollinators and local habitats.
Perennial Flowers
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Perennial Flowers
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When is the best time to plant perennial flowers?
The best time to plant perennial flowers is during the cooler seasons of early spring or fall. Planting in spring gives roots time to establish before summer heat, while fall planting allows roots to develop in warm soil before winter dormancy. Avoid planting during extreme temperatures. Timing may vary slightly by climate zone, so check local recommendations for the most successful results.
How long do perennial flowers typically live?
Perennial flowers typically live for several years, often ranging from three to over ten years depending on the species and growing conditions. Some, like peonies or daylilies, can thrive for decades with proper care. They may die back in winter but regrow from their root systems each spring. Lifespan can be extended with routine maintenance such as dividing, pruning, and feeding.
How can I ensure continuous blooms with perennials?
To ensure continuous blooms with perennials, choose a mix of varieties with different flowering times—early, mid, and late season. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms. Provide well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and consistent watering. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize appropriately based on plant needs. Dividing mature plants and maintaining healthy foliage also contribute to longer, more vibrant blooming periods.
When is the best time to plant perennial flowers?
The best time to plant perennial flowers is during the cooler seasons of early spring or fall. Planting in spring gives roots time to establish before summer heat, while fall planting allows roots to develop in warm soil before winter dormancy. Avoid planting during extreme temperatures. Timing may vary slightly by climate zone, so check local recommendations for the most successful results.
How long do perennial flowers typically live?
Perennial flowers typically live for several years, often ranging from three to over ten years depending on the species and growing conditions. Some, like peonies or daylilies, can thrive for decades with proper care. They may die back in winter but regrow from their root systems each spring. Lifespan can be extended with routine maintenance such as dividing, pruning, and feeding.
How can I ensure continuous blooms with perennials?
To ensure continuous blooms with perennials, choose a mix of varieties with different flowering times—early, mid, and late season. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms. Provide well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and consistent watering. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize appropriately based on plant needs. Dividing mature plants and maintaining healthy foliage also contribute to longer, more vibrant blooming periods.
Temperate Forest Plants
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Temperate Forest Plants
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What is special about the temperate forest?
The temperate forest is special because there is a great diversity of life within the biome. The temperate forest is home to many different animals and plants. The animals that live in the temperate forest include insects, spiders, and salamanders. Some plants that are native to the temperate forest are lichens, moss, and wildflowers.
How do forest plants compete against one another?
Forest plants compete against one another for the resources that they need to survive and thrive. Generally, plants compete with one another for light, water, minerals, as well as space. Plants may compete with one another by growing quickly, throwing shade at other plants, or growing long roots to gain water.
How long do forests take to grow?
Typically forests grow for a period of between 600 to 1,000 years if the piece of land is free from human intervention. If humans take part in their growth a mature and native forest can be created in about 10 years. The growth process can be established and amplified with human intervention.
What is special about the temperate forest?
The temperate forest is special because there is a great diversity of life within the biome. The temperate forest is home to many different animals and plants. The animals that live in the temperate forest include insects, spiders, and salamanders. Some plants that are native to the temperate forest are lichens, moss, and wildflowers.
How do forest plants compete against one another?
Forest plants compete against one another for the resources that they need to survive and thrive. Generally, plants compete with one another for light, water, minerals, as well as space. Plants may compete with one another by growing quickly, throwing shade at other plants, or growing long roots to gain water.
How long do forests take to grow?
Typically forests grow for a period of between 600 to 1,000 years if the piece of land is free from human intervention. If humans take part in their growth a mature and native forest can be created in about 10 years. The growth process can be established and amplified with human intervention.
Grassland & Prairie Plants
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Grassland & Prairie Plants
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How do plants grow in grasslands?
Plants grow in grasslands through adaptations within their roots. Grassland plants have evolved so that if there is a fire and their roots are the only ones to survive, they can grow back quickly and efficiently. Plants and trees that do not have this adaptation cannot survive fires.
Why do trees not grow in grasslands?
Trees do not grow in grasslands because grassland environments receive very little rainfall and so it is difficult for trees to grow and remain there permanently. Also, trees do not grow in grasslands because the biome is typically desert and their seeds do not germinate often or survive any growth.
How do grasses survive fire?
Grasses survive fire because the form that they grow is bottom to top instead of top to bottom. The stems of grasses can grow again after being burned off. Trees don’t often survive fires since their soils are often too thin and dry to survive fires.
How do plants grow in grasslands?
Plants grow in grasslands through adaptations within their roots. Grassland plants have evolved so that if there is a fire and their roots are the only ones to survive, they can grow back quickly and efficiently. Plants and trees that do not have this adaptation cannot survive fires.
Why do trees not grow in grasslands?
Trees do not grow in grasslands because grassland environments receive very little rainfall and so it is difficult for trees to grow and remain there permanently. Also, trees do not grow in grasslands because the biome is typically desert and their seeds do not germinate often or survive any growth.
How do grasses survive fire?
Grasses survive fire because the form that they grow is bottom to top instead of top to bottom. The stems of grasses can grow again after being burned off. Trees don’t often survive fires since their soils are often too thin and dry to survive fires.
Farm & Yard Plants
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Farm & Yard Plants
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How can you naturally enhance the growth of lawn plants?
Naturally enhancing lawn plant growth involves maintaining soil health through regular aeration to improve air and water penetration. Adding organic matter, like compost, enriches soil nutrients. Implementing a proper watering schedule, which includes deep, infrequent watering, encourages deeper root growth. Mowing at the correct height for the specific grass type promotes healthy growth and density. Additionally, overseeding helps fill in bare patches and increases thickness.
When is the best time to plant fruits and vegetables?
The best time to plant fruits and vegetables depends on your local climate and the specific plant. Generally, cool-season crops like lettuce, peas, and broccoli are planted in early spring or fall, while warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers go in after the last frost. Fruit trees are often best planted in late winter or early spring, when the soil is workable and temperatures are mild.
What are effective ways to control weeds in a lawn?
Effective weed control in lawns includes regular mowing at the right height to prevent weed seeds from sprouting. Maintaining healthy soil and dense grass growth crowds out weeds. Applying pre-emergent herbicides prevents weed seed germination, while post-emergent herbicides target existing weeds. Hand-pulling weeds, especially before they seed, and using natural methods like vinegar or boiling water are also effective for spot treatments.
How can you naturally enhance the growth of lawn plants?
Naturally enhancing lawn plant growth involves maintaining soil health through regular aeration to improve air and water penetration. Adding organic matter, like compost, enriches soil nutrients. Implementing a proper watering schedule, which includes deep, infrequent watering, encourages deeper root growth. Mowing at the correct height for the specific grass type promotes healthy growth and density. Additionally, overseeding helps fill in bare patches and increases thickness.
When is the best time to plant fruits and vegetables?
The best time to plant fruits and vegetables depends on your local climate and the specific plant. Generally, cool-season crops like lettuce, peas, and broccoli are planted in early spring or fall, while warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers go in after the last frost. Fruit trees are often best planted in late winter or early spring, when the soil is workable and temperatures are mild.
What are effective ways to control weeds in a lawn?
Effective weed control in lawns includes regular mowing at the right height to prevent weed seeds from sprouting. Maintaining healthy soil and dense grass growth crowds out weeds. Applying pre-emergent herbicides prevents weed seed germination, while post-emergent herbicides target existing weeds. Hand-pulling weeds, especially before they seed, and using natural methods like vinegar or boiling water are also effective for spot treatments.
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