description Rudbeckia Overview
Rudbeckia is a genus of flowering plants native mainly to North America and placed in the family Asteraceae. Its flower heads have yellow to orange ray florets surrounding a raised brown to nearly black central disk, a form associated with the common name black-eyed Susan. Species range from annuals to short-lived and long-lived perennials and are cultivated for summer and autumn gardens, where the flowers attract pollinating insects.
help Rudbeckia FAQ
What is Rudbeckia?
Rudbeckia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native mainly to North America. Many species are known by the common name black-eyed Susan.
Why is Rudbeckia called black-eyed Susan?
The flower heads usually have yellow to orange ray florets surrounding a raised brown or nearly black central disk. That dark center creates the appearance described by the common name.
Is Rudbeckia annual or perennial?
The genus includes both annual and perennial species. Garden varieties such as Rudbeckia fulgida are commonly grown as long-lived herbaceous perennials.
How is Rudbeckia different from a sunflower?
Both belong to the daisy family, Asteraceae, and both have ray florets around a central disk. Rudbeckia generally has smaller flower heads and a dark raised center, while many sunflowers belong to Helianthus and grow much taller.
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