Brown-Eyed Susan

(Rudbeckia triloba)

Brown-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Rudbeckia triloba, commonly known as Brown-Eyed Susan, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, forest edges, and prairies in the Central and Eastern USA. It typically grows to a height of 2–3 ft (60–90 cm) with a spread of 1.0 to 1.5 ft (30 to 45 cm). This species features a profusion of daisy-like flowers with yellow rays and a brownish-purple center, blooming from late summer to early fall. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators and are quite showy, making them a popular choice for naturalistic plantings and wildlife gardens.

Brown-Eyed Susan is valued for its ease of maintenance and its ability to naturalize, filling in spaces and creating a wildflower meadow effect. It is often used in borders, cottage gardens, and as a cut flower due to its long-lasting blooms. While it thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, it is also tolerant of a range of soil conditions, including clay. Regular deadheading can encourage more blooms and control self-seeding. It is relatively pest-free but can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Brown, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, forest edges, and prairies

Other Names

Common Names: Browneyed Susan, Brown-Eyed Coneflower, Three-Leaved Coneflower, Many-Flowered Coneflower, Thin-Leaved Coneflower, Thin-Leaf Coneflower, Three-Lobe Coneflower, Brown-Eyed-Susan, Dreilappiger Sonnenhut, Rudbeckie Trilobée, Trefliksrudbeckia

Scientific Names: , Rudbeckia triloba, Rudbeckia triloba var. beadlei, Rudbeckia beadlei, Centrocarpha aristata, Peramibus hirtus, Rudbeckia aristata, Rudbeckia biennis,

GBIF Accepted Name: Rudbeckia triloba L.