Rudbeckia laciniata

SUMMARY

Also known as Wild Golden Glow, this coneflower reaches towering heights of up to 9′ tall in the wild! When cultivated, it typically has a shorter habit of 3-5′. Bright yellow flowers have reflexed (drooping) petals with domed green centers. This cheery native wildflower favors damp soil and is often found along streams or woodland edges. However, it can tolerate hot and humid summers if provided enough moisture and is adaptable to various growing conditions.

DETAILS

Other Common Names: Green Headed Coneflower, Cut-Leaved Coneflower, Tall Coneflower

Family: Asteraceae

USDA Zones: 3 – 9

Life Cycle: Perennial

Height: 5.00′ – 9.00′

Spread: 2.00′ – 4.00′

Sun: Full Sun – Part Sun – Shade

Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand

Moisture: Medium – Wet

Bloom Time: July – October

Bloom Color: Yellow

Uses: Naturalize, Rain Garden, Back of the Border, Woodland Garden

Native Range: BONAP Map

Native Range Color Key: Dk. Green = Present in State and Native, Lt. Green= Present and Not Rare, Yellow = Present and Rare, Gold = Not Present in State, Teal = Present and Exotic, Cross-Hatched = Questionable Presence

NOTEWORTHY CHARACTERISTICS

Spreads enthusiastically by underground rhizomes (especially in moist soil)
Drought conditions may cause leaves to droop and wither away
May need support from a fence or staking after heavy wind/rain
Long bloom time
Deer resistant
Black Walnut juglone tolerant
Able to withstand occasional spring floods
Leaves can be confused with Giant Ragweed before flowering occurs. Easily tell the difference: R. laciniata leaves have a smooth surface and smooth stems. Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) has rough leaves and hairy stems.

FAUNAL ASSOCIATIONS

Host plant for : Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly, Wavy-Lined Emerald Moth, Common Pug Moth
Nectar plant for: Long-tongued bees, Short-tongued bees, Predatory Wasps, Moths, Butterflies, Flies
Seeds for over-wintering Goldfinches
Provides ideal camouflage for Ambush Bugs

PESTS/DISEASES

Relatively disease and pest free. Occasionally, Rudbeckia Gall Midges (Asphondylia rudbeckiaeconspicua) may create swollen areas (galls) at the base of flower blossoms which may be confused with Aster Yellows disease. However, the galls do not require intervention and will not be a detriment the overall health of the plant. Other insects that may feed destructively on it are Leaf Beetles (Sumitrosis inequalis) and Golden Glow Aphids (Uroleucon rudbeckiae).

PLEASE NOTE: Like all native plants, Cutleaf Coneflower is an important food source for many creatures. Some years they may be more affected by insects than others. However, these insects provide essential food for birds and other wildlife as part of a balanced, intricate food web. Instead of reaching for pesticides at the first sign of leaf damage, consider grabbing your magnifying glass or binoculars and observe what visitors are frequenting your amazing native plant!

A CLOSER LOOK

The ideal habitat: Moist loamy soil along a creekbank in part sun

Distinctive 3-7 lobed leaves up to 12″ long are arranged alternately along the main stem. Leaves on the flowering stems are smaller, lanceolate, and do not have lobes.

Each flower is 3″-4″ across. The greenish-yellow centers elongate and become brown as seeds ripen.

Seeds harvested and cleaned in early fall

COMPANION PLANTS

In order to provide the maximum benefit to pollinators, it is best to plan for a succession of blooms. This ensures that as one species fades, another begins to blossom. In this way, a constant source of nectar and pollen is provided from spring through fall. The following natives enjoy similar growing conditions to Rudbeckia laciniata: