Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia laciniata
Perennial
Bloom
July — September
Color
Yellow
Height
24—36 inches
Spread
18—24 inches
Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4—6 hours)
Water
Low to moderate
Brings reliable golden-yellow cheer to mid-to-late-summer gardens. A native prairie perennial, it's remarkably adaptable to Colorado conditions and requires minimal supplemental water once established. The cheerful yellow petals surrounding a distinctive dark central cone attract butterflies, bees, and goldfinches. The dried seed heads provide food for winter birds.
Growing conditions
- Soil: Well-draining, tolerates poor soil
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4—6 hours)
- Water: Low to moderate
- Drought tolerance: Very good
- Hardiness: Colorado native / adapted · USDA Zones 4–7
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value: High — butterflies, bees, goldfinches
- Landscape use: Xeriscape gardens, pollinator borders, cottage gardens, prairie plantings.
Want Black-eyed Susan in your yard?
Xeris designs and installs native plant xeriscapes across Denver and the Front Range. We'll walk your site, assess soil and sun, and build a plan that thrives.
Request a free consultation