Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Rudbeckia hirta
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| Common Names: |
Brown-eyed Susan, Yellow Ox-eye Daisy
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| Key Name: |
Black-eyed Susan
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| Parts Used: |
Leaves, flowers, roots
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| Sister Plants: |
Rudbeckia fulgida, Echinacea spp., Coreopsis spp.
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| Comments: |
Short-lived perennial or biennial highly attractive to pollinators; thrives in prairies and gardens
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Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Short-lived perennial/biennial (1-3 ft), erect hairy stem, rough lance-shaped leaves, yellow flower heads with dark brown centers (2-3 in), blooming summer to fall
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| Stem: |
Erect, 1-3 ft, hairy, green
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| Leaves: |
Lance-shaped, 2-6 inches, rough, dark green
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| Flowers: |
Yellow flower heads with dark brown centers, 2-3 in, blooming June-October
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| Fruit: |
Small achenes, 2-3 mm, with short pappus
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| Taste: |
Bitter (leaves), mild (flowers)
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| Odour: |
Mild, earthy scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Fibrous root system, sometimes taprooted
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to North America, cultivated elsewhere
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| Cultivation: |
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; sow seeds in spring or fall; space 12-18 inches apart; water moderately until established, tolerates drought
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| Harvest: |
Leaves/Flowers: Summer to fall (June-October); Roots: Fall
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, expectorant
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| Medical Uses: |
Used for colds, sore throats, inflammation, urinary issues, and as a mild diuretic; roots for snake bites, leaves for poultices
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| Constituents: |
Flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, essential oils
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| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (tincture)
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| Dosage: |
Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Tincture: 1-2 mL three times daily
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| Administration: |
Internal: Infusion or tincture; External: Poultice for inflammation
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| Formulas: |
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| Contra Indications: |
May cause allergic reactions (e.g., contact dermatitis); avoid in pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
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| Preparation: |
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water 10 min; Tincture: Steep 1 part herb in 5 parts alcohol for 2-4 weeks
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for wound treatment or digestive support in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
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| Pollinator: |
1
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, butterflies; some self-pollination
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, beneficial insects
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Ornamental, erosion control, wildlife habitat
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| Culinary Uses: |
Young leaves and flowers edible in salads or cooked (use sparingly)
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| History: |
Used by Native Americans for medicine; popularized in European gardens since 18th century
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| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rudbeckia+hirta
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| Share: |
Private
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