Maryland Summer Blooms

Rudbeckia triloba

Rudbeckia triloba, or Brown-eyed Susan, is a herbaceous perennial that grows from 2 to 3 feet tall with a slightly smaller spread of 1-1.50 feet. Starting in July and into October, yellow flowers bloom atop hairy purple stems. Though they have smaller flowers than other Rudbeckias, they make up for it with more flowers. Brown-eyed Susan grows best in full sun and is drought tolerant once established. They prefer organically rich soils, but will tolerate clay. While they are shortlived biennials, they spread easily in disturbed soils by self-seeding.

Rudbeckia triloba has high wildlife value, attracting butterflies, bees, and birds. Though deer might browse the buds, the rough leaves deter them. It serves as a larval host plant for the Silvery Checkerspot, as well as 14 other Lepidoptera, including the super cool looking Wavy-Lined Emerald Camoflaged Looper.