With their dark brown central disk and yellow rays, if there is one common wildflower that the majority of people could probably recognize it's the Black-eyed Susan.
Rudbeckia hirta |
Black-eyed Susan in a meadow habitat |
Basic Information
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Bloom Time: July – September
Black-eyed Susans are not the only Rudbeckia species that can be found in Mid-Michigan. The Thin-leaved Coneflower (Rudbeckia triloba) is found in the same types of dry habitats as R. hirta. I find it to be more common in shaded habitats than the Black-eyed Susan. Its overall range is considerably smaller than that of the Black-eyed Susan. It can be found in east of a extending from Ontario southwest to Texas, with two small populations in Colorado and Utah
Also known as the Brown-eyed Susan, R. triloba also has brown disk flowers surround by yellow rays. However, the flowers of the Thin-leaved Coneflower are smaller (1.5-2.0 inches across) and more numerous than than those of the Black-eyed Susan (2.0-3.0 inches across).
Rudbeckia triloba |
Basic Information
Thin-leaved Coneflower
Rudbeckia triloba
A third species of Rudbeckia that is common across Michigan is the Cut-leaved Coneflower (Rudbeckia lanciniata). Also known as the Tall Coneflower, this species can reach heights of 3 to 12 feet. Unlike the R. hirta and R. triloba, the Cut-leaved Coneflower prefers wet habitats such as floodplains, wet woodlands, and swamps. Its range is similar to that of the Black-eyed Susan, being found in 45 states and 8 Canadian provinces. Like most other Rudbeckia species the Cut-leaved Coneflower blooms consist of yellow rays surrounding a central disk - the disk flowers are yellowish green. Each bloom can be 3 to 4 inches across. The rays on the Cut-leaved Coneflower tend to droop more than those of other Rudbeckia species.
Bee on Cut-leaved Coneflower |
Rudbeckia lanciniata |
Cut-leaved Coneflower in a Cedar Swamp |
Basic Information
Cut-leaved Coneflower
Rudbeckia lanciniata
Bloom Time: July – October
Two other species of Rudbeckia have been recorded in Michigan: R. fulgida (Showy Coneflower) and R. subtomentosa (Sweet Coneflower). R. Fulgida can be found in wet habitats across the southern third of Michigan. A single record of R. Subtomentosa was recorded in Gratiot County in 1894.
I just planted one in our wonderful (not) clay! One of the reliable beauties that actually flourishes in our crumbly clay soil.
ReplyDeleteI am guessing that you must be talking about R. hirta. It seems to be able to grow in just about any dry soil. Try some of the perennial sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) and Bee Balms (Monarda spp.) too. Some of the asters and milkweeds might also do well.
Delete