Quick answer: Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is native to 44 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Moist to dry, well-drained soils, juglone tolerant |
| Bloom | Bloom Jun-Oct |
| Height | Up to 3 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Nectar for bees/butterflies/insects, larval host for Gorgone Checkerspot and Bordered Patch, birds eat seeds, high deer resistance |
none noted formally; can become aggressive if given too perfect environment and not enough competition
Lookalike alert
Everywhere; consistent "Gloriosa Daisy"/"Green Eyes" cultivar trap; MD state flower.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Black-eyed Susan
Where is Black-eyed Susan native?
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is native to 44 states across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Black-eyed Susan bloom?
Black-eyed Susan blooms Jun-Oct. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Black-eyed Susan need?
Light: Sun. Water: Medium water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Moist to dry, well-drained soils, juglone tolerant. Mature height: Up to 3 ft tall.
Is Black-eyed Susan good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Nectar for bees/butterflies/insects, larval host for Gorgone Checkerspot and Bordered Patch, birds eat seeds, high deer resistance.
Is Black-eyed Susan deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Black-eyed Susan is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy real Black-eyed Susan seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Be aware that some sellers offer bred varieties under this name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Black-eyed Susan.
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Big bluestem Andropogon gerardii
- Butterflyweed Asclepias tuberosa
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans
Also listed under
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