All Plants
This is a native plant, but it is not available in the 2026 Wild Ones plant sale.

Tap card to flip

Sweet Black-eyed Susan — Rudbeckia subtomentosa
Bees
Butterflies
USA Native

Sweet Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia subtomentosa

Perennial

Sweet Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia subtomentosa

Tap to flip back

Growing Conditions

Light Light Sun – Part Shade
Water Water Medium
Soil Soil Loam
Size Size 3-5'
Bloom Bloom Yellow, Aug–Oct

Why Grow It

Pollinator Magnet Attracts many types of pollinators
Fragrant Enjoy its lovely natural scent
Late Bloomer Provides nectar when others have faded
Long Blooming Flowers for many weeks through the season

Did You Know?

The flowers and leaves emit a mild anise fragrance when brushed — the 'sweet' in its name refers to this scent, not taste.
Unlike many Rudbeckias, this species is truly long-lived and will persist for many years without dividing.
The downy, three-lobed lower leaves give it the species name 'subtomentosa,' meaning 'somewhat fuzzy underneath.'

Wildlife Value

🦋
Painted Lady Butterfly Visits flowers for nectar in late summer
🐦
Goldfinch Feeds on seed heads through winter
🐝
Bumble Bees Major late-season pollen and nectar source

Good Companions

🌸 Joe-Pye Weed 💙 Smooth Blue Aster 🌾 Prairie Dropseed 🌿 Wild Senna

Planting Guide

  1. Sow seeds in fall or cold-stratify for spring planting.
  2. Choose a full sun site with moist to average soil.
  3. Space 24 inches apart; plants reach 3-5 feet tall.

Plant Details

Sweet Black-eyed Susan detail
Sweet Black-eyed Susan detail
Sweet Black-eyed Susan detail
Sweet Black-eyed Susan detail
Sweet Black-eyed Susan detail
Made with ♥ by Lu Li