Illinois Native Plant Guide

Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta

Preferred Water Depth and Inundation Tolerance

Mesic to wet prairie species. Species has limited inundation tolerance.

Wildlife Value

Attracts butterflies and is used for cover.

Application/Zone

Extensive fibrous root system stabilizes soil on upland slope buffers.

Availability, Establishment, and Maintenance

• Easily established from seed. No pretreatment of seed is necessary.
• This species can be very aggressive.
• This species is early successional and will “thin out” in mature restorations.

Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta

Mature Height
1 to 2 feet

Plant Type
Perennial herb

Indicator Status
Facultative Upland

pH
4.5-7.5

Nutrient Load Tolerance
Low to moderate

Salt Tolerance
Not available

Siltation Tolerance
Low

Flowering Color and Time
Yellow with black/brown center
June to July

Light Preference
Partial to full sun

Seeding Rate
.125 - .3 lbs/acre

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