Diamon Naturals
Alaena Charlotte Diamon
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Diamon Naturals Alaena Charlotte Diamon
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Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) 
Name: Asteraceae (Aster); This plant was given it¹s scientific name Rudbeckia in honor of Olaf Rubeck, a Swedish botanist who was the teacher of Linnaeus at Uppsala University in Sweden.Common Names: Also known as Yellow Daisy, Hairy Coneflower, Bulls Eyes, Brown Betty, Gloriosa Daisy. Brown-eyed Susan is a smaller flower head. No one knows who Susan was, but the flower is linked with “Sweet William” in an old English rhyme. This species was long thought to be native only to our midwest, spreading to both coasts after colonists and western pioneers felled the forests to allow the highly-prolific seed to spread. But recent research proves Black-Eyed Susan was indeed seen as far east as Maryland in early colonial times. Parts Used: Root, leaf. Description: Black-eyed Susan is a biennial forb about 1 m tall with yellow ray flowers and dark brown spherical centers. After germination, the seedling grows into a rosette with oblong leaves. Sometimes flower stalks will appear in the first summer, but typically black-eyed Susan blooms from June to September of the second year. After flowering and seed maturation, the plants die. The seed is very small (1,746,000 per pound) and black, about 2 mm long and 0.5 mm in diameter. Alternate leaves, simple, soft and very bristly; hairy, with smooth margins or an occasional stray tooth. Lanceolate to oblong, upper leaves sessile, lower ones sometimes petioled, 1 1/2 - 6 1/2" long. The black-eyed Susan "flowers" are actually flower heads. Each individual "petal" is a ray flower and the chocolate center of the flower head contains many small disk flowers. Note the hairs on the stem and leaves of the plant, it is thought that this reduces the amount of water lost through evaporation on a daily basis. Habitat: Naturalized in most of the states east of Kansas and the bordering areas of Canada; found in meadows, fields, roadsides, clearings. It is adapted throughout the Northeast on soils with a drainage classification range from well-drained to somewhat poorly drained. It will perform acceptably on droughty soils during years with average or above rainfall, but best growth is achieved on sandy, well drained sites and is drought tolerant. A true sun worshiper that forgives neglect. It is winter hardy in areas where low temperatures are between -30 ° and -20 °F. In the garden, they are a strong draw for beneficial insects and wildlife, including honey bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and as such make a wonderful addition to a habitat-type situation.
Cultivation: There are no major
insect or disease pests of Black-eyed Susan. No special requirements in
the garden other than well-drained soil and full sun or near-full sun. They
self-seed freely, and the roots of perennial specimens can be divided in the
fall for more plants. If you grow transplants from seed:
transplant while dormant in spring or fall, trim long roots, plant with buds
just below the soil surface, space 1 to 2 feet apart. Very vigorous. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and
female organs) and are pollinated by bees, hoverflies.
 Propagation and Reproduction: Black-eyed Susan is easily established with most critical area seeding techniques. Once established, new seedlings will be produced from the preceding crop; the stand may perpetuate itself indefinitely. Uses: Black-Eyed Susans are a very close relative of the venerable herb, Echinacea, and there is some indication that the root has at least the medicinal qualities of Echinacea, and may be an even stronger medicinal plant for the same medical complaints. Indians used tea made from the roots (and sometimes the leaves) of the plant internally for elimination of worms, for cold symptoms, and topically as a remedy for sores, cuts, and scrapes. The juice squeezed from the roots was used for earaches. A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers. Miscellaneous: This plant offers protection and food to several song and game birds and is an important component in critical area treatment plantings along with grasses, legumes, and other forbs when used along road cuts, hillsides, and other areas subject to erosion. State flower of Maryland. Caution: Seeds are toxic, so do not use the seeds medicinally. Some people may be sensitive to the touch of the plant. This plant is reputed to be poisonous to cattle, sheep and pigs. Flower Essence: An organizing essence, ready to mend the broken circle. Brings the light of consciousness to painful or traumatic emotions which have been avoided or repressed. Used to relieve low self-esteem and stress. It generates a sunny disposition, self-sufficiency, emotional stability, and strengthens the meridians. Return to Plant Portfolio Main Page
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