Etymology: Rudbeckia: named after the Swedish father and son who were professors of botany and predecessors of Linnaeus, O.J. Rudbeck (1630-1702) and O.O. Rudbeck (1660-1740)
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'-10' tall forb; stems entirely smooth
Leaves: large, stalked, lower deeply pinnately-divided
Flowers: head 1 1/4" - 2 1/4" wide; disk yellow to gray, 1/4" - 3/4" wide, domed but elongating to 1"; 6-16 drooping, yellow rays; bracts (phyllaries) with whitish hairs near the tips; inflorescence of several to many heads in branched clusters; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: dry seed with no fluffy pappus
Habitat: full to partial sun; moist; woods, forests, shores, streambanks; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions