Ask EcoBeneficial!
Helpful answers to readers' questions. Go ahead - just ask EcoBeneficial
A Rudbeckia Which Attracts Lots of Pollinators?
My Black-eyed Susan doesn’t seem to attract many pollinators. Are there any similar plants which do?
Answer:
You are right – neither Rudbeckia hirta nor the similar Rudbeckia fulgida attract a ton of pollinators. Both of these plants are often referred to as Black-eyed Susan, hence the confusion of common plant names. You will see some insects on these plants, but not in the abundance as with some other plants. I do like to include Black-eyed Susan(s) in my landscape, particularly for seed-eating birds which love their seeds. They are also host plants for several butterflies.
If you are in the market for a different kind of Rudbeckia, think about Rudbeckia laciniata (Cutleaf Coneflower). This plant seems to attract many more pollinators and is very easy to grow. Here are some details on the plant:
Rudbeckia laciniata (Cutleaf Coneflower)
– Hardy in zones 3 to 9.
– Native range is from Quebec to Montana, south to Florida and Arizona.
– It is a member of the Aster family.
– Likes moist, slightly acidic, fertile soil in full sun to part sun.
– In full sun it will require more moisture.
– The mature plant size is 3 to 6 feet high x 3 to 4 feet wide.
– Spreads by underground stems, so give it room in the garden.
The flower heads of Cutleaf Coneflower are 2 ½” to 3” across and attract many pollinating insects including: long-tongued and short-tongued bees (including honey bees), predatory wasps, butterflies, skippers, moths, some beetles and flies.
Cutleaf Coneflower is a host plant for caterpillars of the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly and several moths.
Leave the stems and dried flower heads standing through winter to provide seeds for Goldfinches.
Hope that helps!
Best,
Kim Eierman at EcoBeneficial!
Photo: Rudbeckia laciniata (Cutleaf Coneflower)
More from Ask EcoBeneficial!
Winterizing Plants in Pots
Hi Kim, I attended one of your classes at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, I hope you don’t mind my asking you a question. Just returned from traveling in South America and missed timely wrapping the fig tree growing since this summer on my terrace in a pot. In the meantime…
Compacted Soil
We just had an addition put on our house and the soil in the surrounding area is now very compacted and full of debris. I want to plant there. What can I do to help the soil? Answer: You are facing a common problem after construction. The movement of heavy…
Birds in Winter
How can I help birds in winter? Answer: One important step in supporting birds is to provide them with a water source. Water is often the hardest thing for birds to find for themselves at any time of year, but especially in the winter. I use a heated birdbath that…