Sweet Black-eyed Susan is a sophisticated and long-lived perennial that offers a refined alternative to the common Black-eyed Susan. Growing 3 to 6 feet tall, it is named for the subtle, sweet scent of anise that emanates from its flowers, especially on warm days. The blooms feature numerous bright yellow rays surrounding a dark brown central cone and appear in profusion from August through October. Its foliage is soft and finely hairy, with lower leaves that are often deeply lobed. Native to the central and southeastern United States, it is typically found in prairies and savannas, preferring full to partial sun and medium-wet to medium-dry soils. This species is particularly valued for its sturdy, upright habit that rarely requires staking, even in rich soils. It is a magnet for late-season pollinators and provides high-quality seeds for birds in the winter. For best results, seeds can be sown in the fall or given a short period of cold-moist stratification before spring planting to ensure uniform germination.

Quick facts

• Height: 3–6 ft
• Sun: Full to Partial
• Soil moisture: Medium-Wet to Medium-Dry
• Bloom time: Aug–Oct (Yellow)
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Notes: Long-lived
• Native range: Native to 18 states, including Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana

See the full growing guide and county range map for Sweet Black-eyed Susan