Coneflower is a popular plant for wildflower gardens that offers pollen and nectar to native bees throughout the summer and early fall seasons, especially when planted in good-sized clusters. The large seed heads also provide food for song birds.

 

Native Regions

Throughout the United States and Canada

 

Availability

Routinely available

 

Duration

Annual, biennial, short-lived perennial

 

Bloom Time

Summer

 

Average Height

3 feet

 

Flower Color

Yellow

Orange

 

Exposure

Full sun

 

Water Requirements

Average

 

Recommended Species

Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susan) is found in most parts of the United States and Canada, except Arizona and Nevada. This routinely available, 2 foot tall, annual or biennial has a long bloom period, from late June through September, and does well in garden settings. Although the parent plant dies after blooming, either the first or second year, it reseeds easily under appropriate conditions, creating a self-perpetuating stand. Numerous cultivars of Black-eyed susan are available in nurseries across North America.

 

Rudbeckia laciniata (cutleaf coneflower, green-head coneflower) is a widely distributed, native, perennial species, found most abundantly in the eastern and midwestern United States. This 4 foot tall plant, which produces yellow sunflower-like blooms July through September, attracts birds and native bees. It is commercially available but is best suited to large sites, as it can spread rampantly by underground stems.