Which Rudbeckia? Let's Compare - fulgida | hirta | laciniata | triloba - for Northern VA Gardens

Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia species comparisonRudbeckia larval hosts

Native plant gardens just aren’t the same without Rudbeckia. It shows up as it wants, providing long lasting color and seeds that the songbirds enjoy. Rudbeckia flowers are cheery and often larval hosts for specific pollinators. However, there are so many types of Rudbeckia, it’s difficult to narrow down which one to plant in your garden. Here is a comparison of the Rudbeckia species of which occur in Northern Virginia.

Botanical Name:
Common Name:

Rudbeckia fulgida
Orange Coneflower

Rudbeckia hirta
Black Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia laciniata
Green-headed Coneflower/ Cut-leaf Coneflower
Rudbeckia triloba
Three-lobed Coneflower

Locally Occurs:

Fairfax, Loudoun &
Prince William

All Counties All Counties Fairfax
Loudoun
Arlington

Height:
Flower:
Bloom:
Bloom Color:
Light:
Soil Moisture:

1-4 ft. stems
2-3 in
Jul-Oct
Orange Yellow
Full Sun
Moist

1-3’ ft. stems 2-3 in
Mar-Nov Bright-yellow
Full Sun
Moist to Dry
3-10 ft. stems
3-4 in
Jun-Nov
Yellow
Full Sun - Part
Moist-Acidic
2-5 ft. stems
2-3 in
Jun-Nov Shade
Yellow
Full Sun - Part
Dry to Moist

Larval Host:

Silvery Checkerspot & Wavy-Lined Emerald

Gorgone Checkerspot & Bordered Patch butterfly Wavy-lined Emerald Silvery Checkerspot & Wavy-lined Emerald

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Re-seeding Annual Perennial Perennial

Notes:

Coneflower shaped flower

Tolerates afternoon shade Spreads by underground rhizomes
Distinctive leaf shape
Drought Tolerant

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