RUDBECKIA. Black-eyed Susan, coneflower. North America. A group of showy annual and perennial daisies of quite variable habit. The perennial species are usually substantial plants with large, mostly lance shaped leaves. The flower heads are their most distinctive feature. Borne mostly in late summer and fall, these have long, usually yellow rays surrounding green to black, cone shaped centers. Sun, reasonably well drained soil, moderate to regular watering. Hardy to 0^oF or below.

californica. My first acquaintance with this beautiful native was disappointing; it seemed rather small and mousy, compared to the exotics. Later encounters showed it to be an extremely variable species, whose best forms are as spectacular as any rudbeckia. This seed strain from Barbara Coe represents its best side. The plants form close clumps with broad, smooth basal leaves 6-12" long. From these rise sturdy stems as much as 6' high (normally less), bearing at their summit several large flower heads. Around the dark central cone are drooping golden rays, 3" or more in length.

 fulgida ‘Goldsturm’. An eastern U.S. native which forms compact clumps, dressed with broad, deeply veined, dark green basal leaves. In late summer and fall it makes a striking display of 2½" golden yellow flower heads on 1-2' stems.

hirta. Another easterner, with erect furry stems up to 3’ high, and greyish green, similarly furry leaves. Flower heads in the larger forms are up to 6" across. Colors in the modern hybrid swarm, known as gloriosa daisies, range from yellow to deep brownish red. ‘Indian Summer’ has 4-6" golden yellow heads on 3’ stems. ‘Goldilocks’ is a 1’ dwarf, with 2-3" flowers. ‘Becky’ is shorter still, with larger gold to burnt orange flowers. There are many others in various shades and sizes.