A native wildflower occurring throughout much of the United States. The common name derived from the dark colored disk flowers. Often found on roadsides and disturbed sites, where certainly preferable to many other species! Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherimma This native biennial to perennial can flower the first year (most perennials do not). This trait is consistent with the fact that this variety found in the Great Plains is rather weedy and often found in disturbed sites. The ray flowers are yellow, often purplish near the base, and the center elongates at maturity, forming the `cone` referred to in the common name. Although listed by WSSA, the typical variety (Rudbeckia hirta) is an eastern wildflower which does not occur in disturbed sites (is NOT a weed).
