Black-Eyed Susan, Sweet (Rudbeckia subtomentosa)

This radiant Rudbeckia is a perennial native to the central U.S. and celebrated for its golden-yellow petals that surround deep, velvety-brown centers. This species carries the rich heritage of prairie landscapes, ecosystems where its sturdy stems and generous blooming habit once mingled with grasses and wildflowers of the long light of late-season sun.

Slightly more refined and sweetly scented than some of its Rudbeckia cousins, this species grows into tall, branching clumps topped with a profusion of late-summer blooms. Its flowers are magnets for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, adding a warm glow and lively activity to the garden just as many summer plants begin to tire. Its honeyed fragrance and abundant nectar make it especially welcoming to native bees, lending an ecological richness to the spaces it inhabits.

In the garden, Sweet Black-Eyed Susan thrives in full sun and moderately moist, well-drained soils, though it adapts well to a range of conditions. Its upright habit and long bloom period make it an excellent choice for borders, prairie-inspired plantings, and pollinator gardens, where it offers weeks of cheerful color. As autumn approaches, its seed heads provide food for finches and other songbirds, extending its benefits well beyond its flowering season.