Rudbeckia triloba

Rudbeckia triloba (browneyed susan, brown-eyed susan, thin-leaved coneflower, three-leaved coneflower) is a species of flowering plant in the sunflower family native to the United States. It is sometimes grown in gardens, but it is usually seen in old fields or along roadsides. It is a herbaceous biennial or weak perennial native to Central and Eastern United States. Height is 2–3 ft (60–90 cm) with a spread of 1.0 to 1.5 ft (30 to 45 cm). The species needs full sun and medium water. It is easy to grow. Spent flowers should be removed to encourage additional bloom and/or to prevent any unwanted self-seeding. This plant is in part distinguished from black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta) by having a more profuse bloom of smaller flowers that usually have fewer rays per flowerhead. The basal leaves are often trifoliate (three leaflets, sometimes each of the three also divided). In cultivation in the UK, Rudbeckia triloba has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.