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Native Plant Society of Texas

Brown-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia triloba

Other common name(s):

Browneyed Susan, Thin-leaved Coneflower, Three-lobed Rudbeckia

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Flatwoods, Southern Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

2
to
5
ft.

Spread

2
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Dry, Moist, Rocky

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Orange, Yellow

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Seeds

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Butterflies

Maintenance

Drought tolerant. Plants may need support if grown in too much shade. A profuse seeder so give lots of room to spread or thin as needed. Excellent addition to naturalized areas, wildflower meadows, prairies, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and borders. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional bloom and/or to prevent any unwanted self-seeding, or leave seeds for wildlife to eat. Susceptible to powdery mildew. Watch for slugs and snails on young plants. Uncommon in the wild and commercially, but may be offered at chapter NPSOT plant sales in East Texas. Native habitat: wet woods along streams, alluvial thickets, rocky slopes at the base of bluffs and roadsides.

Description

Blooms June-October. Can grow as biennial or short-lived perennial depending on the region. Clump forming, much-branched, with hairy stems. Leaves oval to elliptic, with serrated margins along the sttem, with deeply trilobed basal leaves. Yellow ray flowers surround brown disc flowers.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification If grown in containers, transplant the seedlings to their final location in the garden when they have developed a few sets of true leaves and are strong enough to withstand outdoor conditions. Stratification can help break dormancy. Mix the seeds with slightly moist sand or vermiculite, place in a plastic bag, and store in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks. Sow the seeds either directly in the garden or in containers. Direct sowing should be timed to allow seedlings to become established before the first frost in the fall or after the last frost in the spring, Container sowing can be done year-round if the seedlings can be protected. Use a well-draining, fertile soil mix. For garden sowing, prepare the bed by loosening the soil and amending with compost if necessary. Sow the seeds on the soil surface or lightly cover with soil, as brown-eyed susan seeds require light for germination. The suggested depth is no more than 1/8 inch (approximately 3 mm). After sowing, water lightly and consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide warmth to encourage germination, using a heat mat if sowing indoors. Observe for seed germination, which typically occurs within 2-3 weeks. Continue to provide moisture and warmth during this period. Wait until the seed heads are dry and brown. Collect seeds by snipping the heads with scissors. Place the seed heads in a paper bag and shake gently to release the seeds from the cones. If necessary, gently crush the seed heads to assist in seed removal. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place inside a labelled paper envelope to maintain good viability until sowing. Avoid plastic, glass, metal containers, which can retain moisture and cause seeds to mold. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Rudbeckia_triloba.html
Seed No Treatment Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your area, or directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Fill seed trays with seed-starting mix and moisten it thoroughly. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, spacing them 2-3 inches apart. Cover the tray with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to create a warm, moist environment. Keep the soil consistently moist, and maintain a temperature of 70-75°F. Seeds will germinate in 7-10 days. Once seedlings have developed several true leaves, transplant them into individual pots or directly into your garden bed, spacing them 1-1.5 feet apart. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-rudbeckia-triloba/ 2) https://www.northcreeknurseries.com/plant-name/Rudbeckia-triloba-#:~:text=Growing%20&%20Maintenance%20Tips%20for%20Rudbeckia,rock%20or%20low%20maintenance%20gardens.
Clump Division Carefully dig up the plant, making sure to disturb as few roots as possible. Use a sharp knife or shovel to separate the plant into several clumps, each with its own roots and shoots. Replant each division in a well-prepared location, ensuring the crown of the plant (where the roots and stems meet) is at or just above soil level. Divide established plants in early spring or fall. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-rudbeckia-triloba/ 2) https://www.northcreeknurseries.com/plant-name/Rudbeckia-triloba-#:~:text=Growing%20&%20Maintenance%20Tips%20for%20Rudbeckia,rock%20or%20low%20maintenance%20gardens.
Stem Cutting, Grafting Insert the cutting into a pot of moistened seed-starting mix. You can encourage rooting by using a rooting hormone. Keep the cuttings moist and in a protected, sunny spot. After a few weeks, roots should develop. Take cuttings in early summer, after the plant has established itself but before it flowers. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut a 4-6 inch stem tip that includes several leaf nodes (the points where leaves sprout from the stem). Remove the lowest leaves. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-rudbeckia-triloba/ 2) https://www.northcreeknurseries.com/plant-name/Rudbeckia-triloba-#:~:text=Growing%20&%20Maintenance%20Tips%20for%20Rudbeckia,rock%20or%20low%20maintenance%20gardens.

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason