Brown-eyed Susan

Description:

Height is 2–3 feet with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet. The alternate leaves are up to 4" long and 2" across. They are lanceolate to ovate and rough-textured from minute stiff hairs. Some of the lower leaves are divided into three lobes. Individual upper stems terminate in 1-2 flowerheads. Each flowerhead is about 1½-2" across, consisting of 6-12 ray florets that surround a brown to black flattened cone of numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are bright yellow and oblong in shape. The tiny disk florets are narrowly cylindrical. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are inner and outer floral bracts (phyllaries) that are green and ciliate. The flowerheads have little or no scent.

Habitat:

This grows in average, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. It will grow in light sun. This wild plant was photographed at Bussey Point Recreation Area near Lincolnton, GA.

Notes:

It's also called Thin-leaved Coneflower and Three-leaved Coneflower. Butterflies and other insects love the nectar. Typically blooms in late summer and early fall in South Carolina.