In most of the United States and the southern parts of Canada, gardens, fields, and roadways are adorned with the delightfully vibrant black-eyed susans. These cheerful flowers can grow anywhere and are hardy in zones three through nine. They have a dark center surrounded by petals that resemble daisies.
Black-eyed Susans are specifically referred to as Rudbeckia hirta in the botanical world and are considered to be a member of the Asteraceae family. They have 6-inch-long leaves and can reach a height of about 3 feet, according to the Farmers Almanac. Bloom size ranges from 2 to 3 inches in diameter. They bloom from late spring until the very end of summer, and one of their common nicknames is the Gloriosa daisy. Plant these gorgeous flowers in your garden, and you’ll enjoy a dazzling display of color that will draw both butterflies and bees for months on end.
The Prince William Conservation Alliance claims that the less well-known name for black-eyed Susans is the pioneer plant. This makes reference to their tenacious resilience and the fact that they will typically be the first flower to emerge in any recently cleared fields or woodland areas. The majority of the time, they are biennial, which means that blooms do not start to appear until two years after seeding.
What animals eat black eyed Susans?
Although deer will consume black-eyed susans, the cages have generally been effective. The issue with repellents is that animals grow accustomed to them and they cease to be effective. There is also animal netting sold at garden centers.
Most of North America’s native plants are easily recognizable, such as the Black Eyed Susan (Rudebekia). The Menominee and Potawatomi tribes used the diuretic plant. Root juice had been applied topically for earaches. The spring greens can be cooked and eaten.
The purple coneflower is not classified as toxic to dogs, but if your pet eats a lot of it, it might have unfavorable side effects that are uncomfortable for them. Because dogs’ digestive systems are not built to break down large amounts of plant material, mild stomach upset could result.
Keep in mind that your cats are hunters and climbers by nature, cat lovers. With places to practice agility and go on a hunt for prey, you can stimulate people. Consider letting your cat play on old stumps that are concealed in landscaped areas. To give them places to pass time, you could also add benches, garden sheds, or ornamental walls.
Keep in mind that pets will likely engage the landscape by running through it, laying on it and even marking their territory. That’s why I recommend using plants that can tolerate the abuse. While some plants are poisonous to pets, some woody shrubs such as Arborvitae are great choices because of their durability. It’s advisable to avoid large perennial or annual areas containing plants such as Rudbeckia (commonly known as Black-Eyed Susan), Cone Flowers, Pansies, etc. Those plant are generally quite delicate. Also remember that some wildflowers such as Forget-Me-Nots produce stickers that can easily get stuck in your pet’s fur (just ask my wife and our dog Ginger!).
You can add landscape lighting to help you keep an eye on your pets at night if you’re like us and have an older dog who has lost their hearing and eyesight (our dog Boss is 17 years old and has issues with both). When Boss doesn’t hear (or chooses not to hear) when we call him inside, our landscape lighting helps us find him in the yard.
I always ask a homeowner, “Do you have any pets that we need to keep in mind?” before I begin designing a landscape because my wife and I have three dogs, and I am aware firsthand how the wrong landscape can negatively impact you and your pets.
It’s crucial to include suitable areas for your pets to “do their business” in addition to providing enough space for them to exercise. “Illness can spread among pets if the space is too small or not conducive to simple cleanup.” Recently, I created a path that connected the patio in the backyard with the side yard where the trash cans were kept (see photo and plan above). To make it simpler for them to clean up after their pets, the homeowner intended to use the path.
How to use black-eyed Susans in a landscape
As if they jump up and say hello, black-eyed Susans seem to have a knack for creating a welcoming energy wherever they are planted. Whether brightening up a walkway or spilling gracefully out of a hanging basket, they can fill a variety of landscaping needs. Consider your overall color palette when arranging plants in your garden or landscape. Garden Design suggests growing them as standouts against blue and purple flowers such as Russian sage and giant hyssop. On the contrary, you might like the more blended look youll get with other warm-toned blossoms. For this effect, try adding yarrow or tiger lilies.
While they thrive throughout a wide range of temperature zones, classic black-eyed Susans will not fare well in the tropics. So, what if you love these sassy flowers but live in USDA zone 10 South Florida? Well, theres good news and bad news. The good news is that there is a tropical vining variety. Called Thunbergia alata, or simply the black-eyed Susan vine, this is a variety that can be easily trained up trellises or along fences, according to Garden Design. Imagine a window box overflowing with gorgeous flowers that sneak their way down and around the exterior walls of your home. Splendid! Unfortunately, the bad news is that in some areas, like the state of Hawaii, this vine is classified as an invasive species that can cause harm to other endemic plants. Ask your local authorities for more information.
Sure, you can just head down to the local garden center and buy black-eyed Susan seedlings or fully grown plants ready to transplant into your yard, but why not try your hand at growing them from seed? In their comprehensive grow and care guide, the DIYers at Growit Buildit have laid out a handy step-by-step guide. It may seem daunting at first glance, but thats only because it is thorough. Black-eyed Susans are easy to grow and with a few essential supplies, you should have no trouble at all.
Gather your seed trays, a garden trowel, a spray bottle, and seeds that you can buy online or at a nursery in the early spring to get things going. Always select a high-quality blend for your potting soil to give the seeds the best chance of sprouting, and moisten it beforehand. Fill each tray almost to the top, but not quite. Up to five seeds may grow in each cell, which you should cover with additional soil. Then you can scatter any seeds that are left over on top of the ground. Its fine for them to stay exposed. Next, spritz your water spray bottle into each tray cell individually. The trays should reside somewhere that receives a lot of early sun. Make sure the soil is kept moist, and after about two weeks, watch for seedlings to emerge.
FAQ
What is the most poisonous flower to dogs?
- Mistletoe (Viscum album)
- Oleander (Nerium oleander)
- Thorn apple or jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)
- Yew (Taxus spp.)
- Any mushroom you cannot identify as safe.
Are black-eyed Susans toxic?
From June to October, the Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) blooms in the wild. They have bright yellow, daisy-like petals. Black-eyed Susans shouldn’t be eaten even though they haven’t been known to make people sick. For those who are allergic to plants, it can trigger asthma attacks and allergic skin reactions.
What animals eat black-eyed Susans?
A significant source of food and shelter for many insects, birds, and animals is the black-eyed Susan. Birds that frequently eat the seeds include chickadees, goldfinches, sparrows, and cardinals. Sole host plant for Silvery Checkerspot butterfly.
Why do dogs eat coneflowers?
But the real question, if there is one, is why dogs are drawn to purple flowers. I discovered the solution on the Internet, of all places, where a “Home Guide” website clarifies that coneflowers are actually the herb echinacea. Dogs like echinacea and it isn’t toxic, the site says.