Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: cutleaf coneflower
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Native Range: North America
Zone: 3 to 9
Height: 2.00 to 9.00 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: July to September
Bloom Description: Yellow rays and green center disks
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Naturalize
Flower: Showy
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Deer
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates hot and humid summers. Can spread aggressively by underground stems, which may be a concern if grown in the border. Divide clumps to control growth. Remove spent blooms to encourage a fall rebloom.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Rudbeckia laciniata, commonly called tall coneflower, is a Missouri native perennial which occurs in moist soils in rich woodlands, thickets or along streams, sloughs or other bodies of water. Well-named since it may grow to 9' tall in the wild, but typically grows 3-4' tall in cultivation. Features daisy-like flowers (to 3.5" across) with reflexed (drooping), yellow rays and dome-like, green center disks. Pinnate, deeply-lobed (3-5 parted), light green leaves. Long mid to late summer bloom period.
Genus name honors Olof Rudbeck (1630-1702) Swedish botanist and founder of the Uppsala Botanic Garden in Sweden where Carl Linnaeus was professor of botany.
Specific epithet means slashed or torn into narrow divisions for the deeply divided leaves.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Taller plants may need support.
Uses
Borders, meadows, cottage gardens, native plant gardens or naturalized areas.