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

Rudbeckia hirta L. – Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta plant

FamilyAsteraceae

Stems:

Rudbeckia hirta stem

Leaves:

N/A

Inflorescence:

N/A

Involucre:

Rudbeckia hirta involucre

Ray flowers:

Rudbeckia hirta flowers

Rudbeckia hirta flowers

Disk flowers:

Rudbeckia hirta disk

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:

Rudbeckia hirta map

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