Rudbeckia hirta Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Family – Asteraceae

Stems:

Leaves:

N/A

Inflorescence:

N/A

Involucre:

Ray flowers:

Disk flowers:

Flowering – May – July.

Habitat – Meadows, pastures, old fields, roadsides, mixed woods.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This species can be found throughout Alabama. The plant can be identified by its rough-hairy stems, alternate leaves, big flower heads, and dark brown disks.
The genus name Rudbeckia is given in honor of the predecessors of Linnaeus at the Uppsala Botanic Garden in Sweden – Olaf Rudbeck (1630-1702) founder of the garden, and his son, Olaf (1660-1740).
The species name hirta derives from the Latin “hirt” meaning “hairy, rough” for the hairs on most parts of the plant.

Alabama Distribution:

Photographs taken off Hwy 80, Lowndes County, AL., 6-4-05.