Brown Eyed Susan

 Brown-Eyed Susans are North American native plants that thrive in the US Department of Agriculture zones 4-9. Their bright flowers bloom from mid to late summer for up to two months. 

Brown Eyed Susan's Colors

Brown-Eyed Susan’s flowerheads consist of 6 to 12 floret rays that bloom a bright yellow. The yellow petals surround a smaller circle of florets that are brown and black in color.

This plant typically grows to be up to 5 feet tall. Its leaves are 4 inches long and 2 inches wide. Flowerheads grow to be ½ to 2 inches across.

Brown Eyed Susan's Growing Conditions

They prefer mesic growing conditions. Although they grow well in loamy soil, they also do well in a combination of gravel and clay soil types.

It desires full to partial sun but can stay in full bloom longer when planted in moderate shade. They have an average resistance to drought and tend to wilt like other flowers.
Not to be confused with its younger sister, the Black-Eyed Susan, Rudbeckia triloba, or better known as the Brown-Eyed Susan, is a short-lived perennial common to the Illinois area. It is widely associated with different parts of North America, as well. They typically grow wild in many prairies, meadows, fields, and roadsides. This biennial is taller and bushier than the Black-Eyed Susan and has many branches that extend from leaf axils. Many dark red stems of the Brown-Eyed Susan grow, giving this plant its bushy look. Its leaves are ovate and rough to the touch. 1 to 2 flower heads grow on the upper stems of the plant. Flowers do not have a very pronounced smell. They are self pollinators, but also attract many bee varieties seeking nectar and pollen.

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