Brown-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba)

• Scientific Name: Rudbeckia triloba
• Common Name: Brown-Eyed Susan
• Sunlight: Full sun to part sun
• Water: Low to medium water needs; moderately drought-tolerant once established
• Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soils; prefers well-drained loamy soils but tolerates clay and rocky conditions
• Height: 3-5 feet
• Bloom Time: Summer through fall
• Lifespan: Biennial to short-lived perennial
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy, and highly branched wildflower

Additional Information: Brown-Eyed Susan produces an abundance of small, bright yellow flowers with dark brown centers on highly branched stems, creating an airy display from summer well into fall. Compared with many other Rudbeckia species, its individual flowers are smaller but produced in much greater numbers. The blooms attract pollinators, while the mature seed heads provide food for birds. Brown-Eyed Susan readily self-seeds, allowing it to persist and naturalize even though individual plants are relatively short-lived. It is an excellent choice for woodland edges and naturalized areas.