As I’m still getting caught up on my other cactus flower posts, figured I’d interrupt the “regularly scheduled programming” with something a little different: Black Eyed Susans.
I’ve never specifically photographed these summer garden flowers before. A photo or two at one of the Botanic Gardens in the past comes to mind. Then again I’ve never come across such a brilliant patch of these golden wonders before! Have photographed Coneflowers (Echinacea) – which I love. But have not come across any accessible patches of them in my local hood to date.
So in yet another one of my wanderings around the neighborhood with camera in tow, coming across these flowers was a gift. I promptly sat my butt down and began taking photos!
Also Known as Yellow Coneflower
Knowing very little about these flowers, I took to google again to get some background botanical info. I find this a great way to learn about flower species and share info as well.
“Rudbeckia hirta, commonly called Black-Eyed Susan and yellow coneflower, is a North American flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It grows to 1 meter tall with daisy-like yellow flower heads. There are numerous cultivars. It is toxic when ingested by cats, but was used medicinally by Native Americans.”
Apparently they bloom from June to August and I certainly stumbled across them in their prime. Their bright yellow flowers attract butterflies and bees. However, I was not able to capture a bee on them – yet!
Based on more of my research they are deer resistant, drought tolerant, and poor soil tolerant. No wonder they grow so well in this landscape!!
I guess they are technically considered a wildflower and thrive in bright, sunny growing locations. Sounds like they are easy to grow and long-lasting.
Who wouldn’t want these sunbursts adorning their garden!
Autumn Forest Black-Eyed Susans and Other Varieties
There are at least 18 varieties of Black-Eyed Susans that came up during my research. I was trying to figure out which ones were in the garden I was photographing. From what I can tell, the ones that I loved the most were Autumn Forest and perhaps Cappuccino varieties. While they may bloom in the heat of summer, their colors totally remind me of fall and who can resist those golden yellows and burnt oranges?
In the case of this garden with its explosion of these daisy-like flowers, the worn wood fence just added to the character and gave it a rustic touch. These flowers really are so pretty. Having the opportunity to photograph them has certainly made me appreciate their golden colors.
I cannot stress enough to getting out and wandering around your neighborhood on foot. It is in these moments where you might find “the hidden beauty in the familiar”. 🙂
If you enjoyed this post, check out these Coneflowers too:
● Coneflowers – Pretty Perennial Flowering Plants
● Bee Friendly Coneflowers Grace Summer Gardens
● Coneflowers Come to Life in Mid-Summer