Plant of the Week: Black Eyed Susan

Ever heard of the Black-Eyed Peas? Well, this week’s plant of the week sounds very similar. It’s called Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). This plant is a short-lived perennial that displays its beautiful bright yellow petals surrounding a conical brown center and has a hairy stem and leaves. Black-Eyed Susan can get up to three feet tall and usually blooms from April to November. Rudbeckia hirta thrives in rainy environments but has evolved to resist drought and hot environments. It provides an essential source of food for butterflies in nectar. Additionally, granivorous birds such as finches enjoy eating their nutritious seed head. This composite flower creates a perfect landing spot for pollinators; it is highly deer-resistant making it a perfect host for Bordered Patch Butterfly larva. Rudbeckia hirta can also be used for medicinal purposes. The roots have been made into a tea that is excellent for treating colds and swelling.

Written by Wesley Tateh