brown-eyed Susan

brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba) is in the Sunflowers, Daisies, Asters, and Allies family (Asteraceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 4,930 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in August.

Nationally it blooms mainly from July to September, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.

When to photograph brown-eyed Susan: observations by month (U.S.)

About brown-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia triloba (browneyed susan, brown-eyed susan, thin-leaved coneflower, three-leaved coneflower) is a species of flowering plant in the sunflower family native to the United States. It is sometimes grown in gardens, but it is usually seen in old fields or along roadsides.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

brown-eyed Susan by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related wildflowers (Sunflowers, Daisies, Asters, and Allies)

black-eyed SusanRudbeckia hirta

Common YarrowAchillea millefolium

White SnakerootAgeratina altissima

ChicoryCichorium intybus

Lawn daisyBellis perennis

Philadelphia fleabaneErigeron philadelphicus

Pearly EverlastingAnaphalis margaritacea

Blue MistflowerConoclinium coelestinum

Photography tips

• Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
• Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
• Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
• Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.

FAQ