Black-eyed Susan facts for kids

The Black-eyed Susan is a popular wildflower known for its bright yellow petals and dark brown or black center. While this name most often refers to a specific flower called Rudbeckia hirta, it's also used for several other plants that look similar or have a dark center. These cheerful flowers are a favorite in gardens and can be found growing wild across many parts of the world.

The Famous Black-eyed Susan Flower

The most well-known Black-eyed Susan is a plant called Rudbeckia hirta. It belongs to the same plant family as sunflowers and daisies, which is called Asteraceae. These flowers have sunny yellow or orange petals that spread out from a dark, dome-shaped center. This dark center is what gives the flower its "black eye" name.

What Do They Look Like?

Black-eyed Susans usually grow about 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) tall. Their stems are often hairy, and their leaves are a bit rough. Each flower head can be 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) wide. They bloom for a long time, usually from early summer all the way through to the first frost in autumn. This makes them a great choice for gardens because they add color for many months.

Where Do They Grow?

Rudbeckia hirta is native to North America. This means it naturally grows there. You can find it in many different places, like open fields, meadows, and along roadsides. Because they are so pretty and easy to grow, people also plant them in gardens all over the world. They are tough plants that can handle different types of soil and weather.

Why Are They Called "Black-eyed Susan"?

The name "Black-eyed Susan" likely comes from an old poem or song. The "black eye" part clearly refers to the dark brown or purplish-black center of the flower. The "Susan" part is thought to come from a common girl's name, perhaps from a traditional poem or song that used "Susan" as a general name for a person.

Other Plants Called Black-eyed Susan

Besides Rudbeckia hirta, a few other plants are also sometimes called Black-eyed Susan because they share similar features, like bright petals and a dark center.

• Other Rudbeckia Flowers: Many other flowers in the Rudbeckia family also look like Rudbeckia hirta and might be called Black-eyed Susans.
• Flower-of-an-Hour (Hibiscus trionum): This flower is part of the hibiscus family. It has pale yellow or cream-colored petals with a dark purple or black center, making it look a bit like a Black-eyed Susan.
• Black-eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata): This is a climbing plant with orange or yellow flowers that have a dark center. It's often grown in hanging baskets or on trellises.
• Australian Tetratheca Shrubs: Some small shrubs from Australia, like Tetratheca juncea, Tetratheca thymifolia, and Tetratheca hirsuta, are also sometimes called Black-eyed Susans. They are usually small plants with purple or pink flowers.