Black Eyed Susan - Rudbeckia hirta

Native  (Native in : MA,NH,CT,RI, Maine) (Extirpated from Vermont)

Biennial Flower Bright cheerful Yellow daisy like flowers with a brown center.  This plant self reseeds and grows up to 2ft tall.  Blooms from June-October

Prefers: Full sun, part sun, average moist- dry soil  heat and drought tolerant

Benefits:

Wildlife: Nectar-Bees, Nectar-Butterflies (bog copper), Nectar-insects, Seeds-Granivorous birds

Host plant for the Silvery Checkerspot, Gorgone Checkerspot, Baltimore Checkerspot. Bordered Patch butterfly as well as 14 other Lepidoptera, including the  Wavy-Lined Emerald Camouflaged Looper. 

Companion Plants: Butterfly Milkweed,  Monarda fistulosa(wild bergamot),, Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem),  and Sorghastrum nutans(indian grass)