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Marcus, Joseph A. (Austin, TX)

Rudbeckia maxima Nutt.

Great coneflower, Giant Brown-eyed Susan

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

USDA Symbol: RUMA3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Giant brown-eyed Susan has clumps of silvery-blue foliage that give rise to stately flower stalks. The flowers have intense yellow ray flowers that dangle from tall brown centers. It should be cut back to the base after blooming to keep tidy and be planted in mass for best effect in landscapes.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Size Notes: 3-6 feet
Leaf Color: Gray-Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: AR , LA , OK , SC , TX
Native Distribution: L48(N)
Native Habitat: Found in moist open places. Forming beds in low ground, sandy or silty soils; east Texas west to East Cross Timbers. Seems pretty drought resistance despite it’s swampy origins.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Drought Tolerance: Low
Conditions Comments: The flowers have intense yellow petals that dangle from tall brown centers. Clumps of silvery-blue foliage give rise to stately flower stalks.
Texas comments: Giant brown-eyed Susan has clumps of silvery-blue foliage that give rise to stately flower stalks. The flowers have intense yellow petals that dangle from tall brown centers. It should be cut back to the base after blooming to keep tidy. It should be planted in mass for best effect in landscapes. It also makes a good cut flower.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Makes a good cut flower.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
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From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Texas Discovery Gardens - Dallas, TX

Bibliography

Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski and Wasowski

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Rudbeckia maxima in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Rudbeckia maxima in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Rudbeckia maxima

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-01-30
Research By: TWC Staff

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