Rudbeckia triloba
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With clouds of small, golden-yellow blooms and dark centers, Brown-Eyed Susan adds a lively, wild sparkle to the summer garden. It grows 3–5 feet tall, branching freely and blooming prolifically from midsummer into fall.
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Thrives in full sun and medium to dry soils, tolerating drought and poor conditions. Self-sows readily and benefits from occasional thinning to prevent overcrowding.
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Acts like a short-lived perennial or biennial, often reseeding to form loose colonies. Its airy, open form fills gaps beautifully without dominating.
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Native to central and eastern U.S., commonly found in open woods, fields, roadsides, and prairies.
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Basal leaves emerge in spring, followed by branching stems and bright blooms from July through frost. Dark seed heads persist into winter, offering subtle structure and interest.
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A favorite of native bees and butterflies for nectar, and goldfinches enjoy the seeds in fall. Its long bloom period makes it a reliable pollinator plant in naturalistic plantings.
Brown-Eyed Susan