Black-Eyed Susan
The wildflower is a nectar source for butterflies and bees.
By LYNN ARTZ, SANDY TEDDER and DAVID RODDENBERRY
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a sunny yellow wildflower with a dark center that is easy to grow and freely self-seeds. It grows 1-3 feet tall in full sun and tolerates dry soil. The stems are covered with bristly hairs. Black-eyed Susan is an excellent nectar source for butterflies and bees. Its leaves feed the caterpillars of several butterflies. Small birds including goldfinches eat the seeds. Deer resistance is high. The cheerful blossoms of black-eyed Susan liven up wildflower meadows and bouquets. Cut flowers last more than a week. Black-eyed Susan is blooming now in the wildflower meadow at Sopchoppy Depot Park. Packets of seeds collected from the park’s black-eyed Susans are free for the taking at the Seed Depot, a miniature replica of the historic train depot.