Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Family Asteraceae

Characteristics:
* Flower yellow, with 10-20 long, daisylike rays and a deep brown center disk, 1 1/2-3". Growing on a single slender stem.
* Leaves and stem bristly-hairy.
* Height: 1-3'.

Natural History:
* Flowers June - October.
* Habitat: Meadows, roadsides, open woods, waste places, in dry soil.
* Range: Southern Canada and the United States.
* Native, but an invader in the eastern part of the country.

Connections!
* John Gay's ballad, "Sweet William's Farewell to Black-ey'd Susan" was written in 1720 and begins,

"All in the Downs the fleet was moor'd,
When black-ey'd Susan came aboard.
'Oh! where shall I my true love find!
Tell me, ye jovial sailors, tell me true,
If my sweet William sails among the crew."

* Black-Eyed Susan blossoms dry very well, and can be combined with Queen Anne's lace and cinquefoil for winter bouquets.