Black Eyed-Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), the Maryland State Flower, is a pioneer species that helps regenerate disturbed areas as one of the first native plants to appear. These flowers are biennials or short lived perennials that easily reseeds themselves. They will produce deep yellow flowers for most of the summer and attract several varieties of pollinators to your garden. Black Eyed-Susans have rough textured leaves that tend to be deer resistant.   Light: Full Sun Moisture: Medium to Dry Soil Type: Clay, Loam, Sandy, or some Rocky soils Soil pH: Prefers acidic around 6.5 Average Height: 1 - 3 Feet Flowers: Daisy-like flower with deep yellow- orange colored petals surrounding a dark brown- black dome shaped center Bloom Time: June - October Native Region: Most of North America Wildlife: Host plant of the Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) Additional Notes: Biennials- life cycle of two years, will self seed new plants