Wildflower enthusiasts statewide have chosen Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) as the Salato Native Plant Program Wildflower of the Year for 2007.  The flowers are ray flowers, yellow, with dark brown hemispheric centers, or “eyes”.  The plant is somewhat inaccurately named because the centers are actually a reddish brown and not a true black.  Black-eyed Susans grow from one to three feet tall from a root crown and have one to several very bristly-hairy stems with alternate, hairy leaves.  It blooms from May to September.  The genus, Rudbeckia, was named for Swedish botanist, Olaf Rudbeck, who taught botany to the “father of modern botany”, Carolus Linnaeus.

Several Rudbeckia species have been garden favorites for generations, especially Black-eyed Susans.  Orange Coneflower, our Wildflower of the Year in 2006 is quickly becoming a favorite of gardeners as well.  They both are perfect for formal landscapes, backyard wildflower gardens, or meadow gardens.  Black-eyed Susans are similar to Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida) but bloom earlier and are not as compact and are a biennial or short-lived perennial that self-sows readily.  This is the familiar daisy –like wildflower that you see on roadsides and fields.  It likes well-drained soil and will even thrive in clay soils and will grow in full to partial sun.

Black-eyed Susans are a favorite of butterflies and songbirds and are a great choice for backyard wildlife habitat.  They are pollinated by bees, wasps, beetles, flies, and many other insects, but have developed a strategic method for keeping away unwanted pests such as ants.  The bristly hairs on the stems make it uncomfortable, if not impossible, for ants to pass.  Several butterflies frequent this plant, but the Pearl Crescent is one species that takes advantage of the high center perch and is attracted to the yellow color.  Plant Black-eyed Susans with Pale Purple Coneflowers, Blazing Stars, New England Asters, and Butterfly Weed and you are sure to have a stunning garden with a host of butterflies and birds and a great source of beautiful cut flowers.  Black-eyed Susans can also be grown in large containers for weeks of colorful blooms and lots of butterfly activity.

Long before Europeans discovered them as a garden favorite, Black-eyed Susans were a popular plant among Native Americans for their medicinal value.  The root was used for tea to treat worms, colds and as an external wash for sores, snakebites, and swelling.  The root juice was used for earaches.  Some people have developed contact sensitivity to the plant, so be a little careful when first using this plant for cut flowers.

Black-eyed Susan seeds and plants are available at many native plant nurseries.  Like most native plants, when planted in appropriate habitat, they are very hardy.  They are also very easy to grow from seed or division.  Sow seeds in late winter or early spring in an indoor flat, in a cold frame, or at anytime during the growing season in an outdoor seedbed.  Since they are a short-lived perennial or biennial, divide them every year in late winter or early spring.  Lift the clump, shake loose the soil and with a sharp knife or clippers cut though the crown making several divisions.  Make sure that each new division has some vigorous roots.  Cut back some of the foliage to reduce water loss, replant and water at once.  Divisions grow rapidly and are fun to share with your friends and neighbors.

The Wildflower of the Year is chosen based on the number of nominations it receives and how well it fits the established criteria:  native to Kentucky, common and fairly widespread across the state, seeds readily available, easy to grow, and a good source of food or cover for wildlife.  Fans of Black-eyed Susans have chosen well.

Packets of free seeds will be available at the Salato Wildlife Education Center after Derby Day.