Rudbeckia hirta aka Blackeyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta, also known as black-eyed Susan, is a North American flowering plant in the aster family. It is native to Eastern and Central North America and has become naturalized in the Western part of the continent, as well as in China. This popular wildflower is the state flower of Maryland and can be found in all 10 Canadian Provinces and all 48 contiguous states in the US. The plant can grow over 3 feet tall, with leaves of 6 inches, stalks over 8 inches long, and flowers with a diameter of 2 to 3 inches. The "black eye" refers to the dark, brown-purple centers of its daisy-like flower heads. Butterflies, bees, and other insects are attracted to the flowers for the nectar, aiding in pollination. These plants bloom from June to October and tend to be territorial, squeezing out other flowers growing near them. While they are invasive in many tropical areas, including Hawaii and Mexico, black-eyed Susans are relatively rare as houseplants. They are easy to grow and require regular watering, thriving best in long-lasting direct light and being within 1 foot of a window.