Rudbeckia laciniata (Cut-leaf Coneflower)

Description

This is the nicest looking Rudbeckia, that I have seen in the Lowcountry. Butterflies flock to the 6′-8′ tall flower stalk which rise above 6″-1′  shiny evergreen foliage.   Birds feed on the seeds. Native Americans cooked the leaves as a potherb.

Plant in full sun to part shade in average to moist soil, and it will grow thick enough to keep out most weeds. It thrives in soil littered with shell and masonry. Though native to moist slopes, it has thrived in my sandy garden where it gets watered just a few times a year. Deer have nibbled it a little in some gardens, but not enough to matter.  Cut flower stalks out after flowers fade to promote heavier blooming.

I propagated my plants from plants that I rescued from construction on Lady’s Island, SC. Occurring mainly on moist slopes of the Piedmont and Mountains.This was the first time that this species has been found in the Outer Coastal Plain  of SC.  Plant it in your garden to keep the coastal form of this beautiful wildflower from disappearing.