Coneflower, Showy - Rudbeckia fulgida

Rudbeckia fulgida, also known as Showy Coneflower, is a perennial wildflower native to southern Michigan, particularly sandy SW Michigan.

This attractive plant reaches 3 feet tall and flowers from July to October with a yellow blossom. It is similar to Black-eyed Susans (they are both Rudbeckia) but has a more dense growth habit, a larger flower display, and is longer lived. It also blooms a bit later and quite a bit longer than Black-eyed Susans. Plant both to extend your striking yellow bloom time. Black-eyed Susans are native to the U.P., but if you have difficulty getting them to persist, try Showy Coneflower.

Showy Coneflower prefers full sun to partial shade, medium to dry soil and will grow in loam or sandy loam. It makes a great front border for flower beds, with blooms arching to the ground in front. This would also be a good choice for a hellstrip between the road and sidewalk, since it maxes out at about two feet and doesn't flop in poor soil. I recommend planting it at least a foot back from the curb to give it room to flourish.