The Black-Eyed Susan: A Maryland Tradition

Summer time is around the corner, so why not brighten up your garden with a patch of Maryland's vibrant state flower?

The Black-Eyed Susan, or Rudbeckia hirta, was designated as the state flower in 1918. It is a daisy-like wildflower that is a member of the sunflower family, and native to the United States, east of the Rockies.

They are commonly found in fields and roadsides of Maryland's byways, and typically bloom June through August. The root is often used in folk remedies for colds.

To grow the flowers, you can either buy transplants, or seed them in yourself as they are easy to grow. 

Black-Eyed Susans do better in a sunny location, growing 2 to 3 feet high, and make great cut flowers, lasting up to 10 days in a vase.

I like the All-American Selection variety 'Indian Summer' for it's huge 8 inch wide flowers and vivid colors. Black-Eyed Susans are considered tender perennials or annuals so you have to grow new ones each year.

Plant Black-Eyed Susans this spring to carry on a Maryland tradition.