Black-Eyed Susan
Quick Facts & Botanical Stats
Species Overview
Black-Eyed Susan is a bright wildflower featuring golden yellow petals surrounding a dark brown central cone.
Physical Appearance & Anatomy
Rough, hairy stems and leaves bearing daisy-like yellow ray florets around a dark chocolate center.
Habitat & Growth Behavior
Extremely drought-tolerant once established in open sunny landscapes.
Ecological Role & Symbioses
Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial predatory insects; seeds feed songbirds in winter.
Reproduction, Lifecycle & Propagation
Self-seeds readily across disturbed soils.
Conservation Status & Environmental Threats
Highly resilient and abundant across its range.
Interesting Fun Facts
- Butterflies can see ultraviolet patterns on the petals that are invisible to human eyes.
- It is the official state flower of Maryland.
Related Plants
Garden Rose
Least ConcernWhat is a rose? The rose (Rosa rubiginosa) is a woody perennial flowering plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. Renowned globally for its ornamental beauty, fragrant blooms, and cultural significance, the rose is one of the most widely cultivated flowers. Roses grow as erect shrubs, climbing vines, or trailing groundcovers, often armed with sharp thorns that serve as physical defenses. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, roses yield rose hips, which are rich in Vitamin C and used in teas, syrups, and skincare products.
Common Sunflower
Least ConcernWhat is a sunflower? The common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Native to North America, it is globally famous for its massive yellow flower heads that track the sun across the sky during their immature stage. Sunflowers are widely cultivated for their edible seeds, high-quality cooking oil, and ornamental value. They are also known for their phytoremediation capabilities, meaning they can extract toxic heavy metals and radiation from contaminated soils.