Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta
 
A hero in the pollinator garden. You can't imagine a pollinator garden without it. Black-eyed Susan delights us with its sun-like-looking ray florets throughout the summer. The plant is versatile, grows in many conditions, has a moderate height, and pairs well with many companion plants.
 
The native species is short-lived, but because it self-seeds readily, it will persist under favourable conditions. Susi will move herself into ideal conditions and even fill in gaps. Black-eyed Susan will bloom in the first year and will bring cheerful blooms to a new planting.  Using native black-eyed Susan is a sustainable way to replace annuals, which have a significant environmental footprint (plastic, peatmoss, fossil fuels, pesticides).
 
Ecology:
Black-eyed Susan supports many species of pollen specialist bees that rely on her to provide their nests with rudbeckia pollen, as their larvae can only feed on rudbeckia pollen. Many tiny flowers bloom in the brown/black cone, providing great nectar and pollen. The yellow petals are only visual guides. Black-eyed Susan is visited by a large variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bee flies, syrphid flies, wasps, ambush bugs and soldier beetles, all beneficial predatory insects to keep your garden in a natural balance.
Many moths and checkerspot butterflies use her leaves as host plants in the caterpillar stage. 
Goldfinches and many other birds feed on the seeds.
 
Growing conditions:
Naturally, black-eyed Susan grows in meadows and prairies in disturbed areas with poor soil. The plant grows best in sunny sites with poor soil of average moisture. It can, though, tolerate occasional flooding, drought, and part shade. To remain in your garden, black-eyed Susan has to be able to self-seed, which means some bare ground and favourable growing conditions are needed.