Family: Asteraceae
Common name: Black-eyed Susan, Brown-eyed Susan, Brown betty, Gloriosa daisy, Common black-eye susan, Golden Jerusalem, English bull’s eye, Blackiehead, Poor-land daisy, Yellow daisy, Yellow ox-eye daisy
Black-eyed Susan is a beautiful flowering plant native to North America, now grown in parks and common areas in Canada and North America. They belong to the biggest flowering plant family of Asteraceae, characterized by bright, beautiful flowers.
Plant Characteristics
The plant can grow to a height of 50-100 cm with a green, hairy stem that has a coarse texture. The name ‘hirta’ which means hairy, comes from the fine hairs on the stem and leaves.
Black-eyed Susan leaves are 10-12 cm long, elongated oval in shape with a rough texture which is mainly due to the thin, white hairs that cover the leaves.
Flowers are the most striking feature of the Black-eyed Susan plant – bright, stunningly beautiful yellow flowers covering the plant during spring and summer.
The flowers are 5-8 cm in diameter with bright yellow petals or ray florets, and brown or black center or disc florets. The center of the flower is initially dull green later turning brown, and then black and bulged.
Petals could be yellow, orange or with brown coloring radiating from the center. Once the flowers turn old, the petals can develop a reddish-brown tinge before they fall off.
Black-eyed Susan flowers attract butterflies in large number filling your garden with life and colors. The plant also produces a small fruit that is 2-3 mm long, but they are quite inconspicuous among the riot of colors.
Gardening Tips
Black-eyed Susan plants love bright, direct sunlight, but they can tolerate partial shade though it may affect the flowering. They need rich, well-drained soil and regular fertilization during summer and spring.
These plants usually live for 1 or 2 years, flowering almost immediately after they are planted. Remove spent flowers to keep the plant healthy, and prune the stems after growing season to encourage new growth.
These plants have some medicinal uses and is used in the treatment of cold, flu, worms, infections, and also to boost immunity. Black-eyed Susan is the state flower of Maryland.
They make excellent border plants since the bright flowers can give a good definition to your garden edges and flowerbeds. They can also be planted on the roadsides, bringing color and vitality to the landscape.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds, stem cuttings, and root division. If left alone, the plant can self-seed and produce new plants when weather conditions are optimal.
Photographed at: Toronto, Canada
