Rudbeckia triloba var. triloba (Native)

Non-native plants this species can replace:
Common Name
Three-lobed coneflower
Brown-eyed susan
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Biennial
Max Height (ft)
5.0
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8

Commercially Available

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Photographer: mefisher
Licensed under: CC0 1.0
Original photo: Original photo

iNaturalist Research-grade Observation Image Gallery
Additional Info

Habitat: Dry woodlands and barrens, clearings, old fields, rich disturbed floodplains, fields, and roadsides; often weedy and usually in at least moderately calcareous soil. Common in the Virginia mountains; frequent in the Piedmont; infrequent in the Coastal Plain.

Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with nectar and pollen in the blooms. This is a larval host plant for Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) and Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) caterpillars. The adults feed on nectar from red clover, common milkweed, and dogbane. Songbirds, especially American Goldfinches, eat the seeds in the fall.

Pruning Guidance
Pruning Time
Late spring (after insect emergence)
Pruning Method
Cut stems to 8–24 inches in spring
Chop-and-drop
Wildlife Benefits
Seedheads provide winter food for birds
Standing stems support overwintering insects
Cut stems retained at 8–24 inches support insect habitat
Pruning Notes
Leave stems and seedheads standing through fall and winter. Birds eat the seeds, and insects shelter in and on the stems. In late spring, after several nights above 50°F, cut the old stems to 8 to 24 inches at varied heights. Bees and other insects nest in the cut stubs the following summer. Lay the cut tops loosely in the bed so insects still inside can emerge. Short-lived and self-seeds; leave seedheads so it returns.
Flower Color
Brown/Copper
Gold/Yellow
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Bloom Time
Early Summer
Late Summer
Fall
Bloom Month
July
August
September
October
Ground Cover
Yes
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Average
Soil Texture
Clay
High organic matter
Loamy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Number of Lepidotera Species Genus Supports
20
Top 30 for Pollen Specialist Bees?
Yes
Number of Pollen Specialist Bees that Rely on this Genus
29
Recommended for
Border
Butterfly garden
Cutting garden
Drought tolerant garden
Meadows
Pollinator garden
Songbirds
Winter interest
Tolerates
Dry soils, drought
Species-specific links
Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora - Species Account
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox - Species Account