Rudbeckia occidentalis, commonly known as Western Coneflower, is a perennial herb that is native to the western United States, particularly found in moist environments such as mountain meadows, stream banks, and wet forest clearings. It can grow up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) in height and is characterized by its large, oval to lance-shaped leaves and distinctive flower heads. The flower heads lack the typical yellow ray florets of other coneflowers and instead feature a prominent, elongated purple-brown central cone surrounded by greenish involucral bracts, blooming from late summer to early fall. The plant produces achenes, which are small, dry, one-seeded fruits that do not open to release the seed.

Western Coneflower is appreciated for its unique appearance and is often used in naturalistic plantings, wildflower gardens, and as a fresh cut flower. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. While it is relatively low maintenance, it benefits from division every few years to maintain vigor. It is also a valuable plant for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and should be monitored for this disease.CC BY-SA 4.0