Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are a native North American flower, bringing bright yellow color to gardens and fields. Depending on the variety, this plant may grow as an annual, a biennial, or a short-lived perennial, often self-seeding freely. Identifying this plant in its earliest growth stages, before the characteristic flowers appear, is important for gardeners deciding what to keep and what to remove. Knowing the specific features of the seedling and rosette phases allows for proper cultivation and prevents accidental weeding.
The Earliest Stage: Seedling Appearance
The initial phase of Black-Eyed Susan growth begins with the emergence of the cotyledons, which are the plant’s two seed leaves. These first leaves are typically small, smooth, and oval-shaped. They are generally light green and serve as temporary food sources, quickly withering once the plant establishes its true foliage.
The true leaves emerge shortly after the cotyledons. These first true leaves are the earliest indication that the plant is indeed Rudbeckia hirta. They exhibit a light green color and possess a noticeable fuzziness or hairiness. The surfaces of these young leaves are covered with fine, stiff hairs, an early expression of the plant’s genus-defining trait.
These true leaves are often slightly spatulate, or spoon-shaped, and appear opposite or nearly opposite each other on a very short stem. The presence of this distinct pubescence is a reliable early marker. The seedling remains close to the soil surface during this period as it focuses on developing a root system.
The Rosette Stage: Basal Growth and Texture
Following the initial seedling phase, the Black-Eyed Susan develops into a basal rosette, a cluster of leaves growing tightly at the ground level. This growth habit is common in biennial and perennial varieties, allowing the plant to gather energy and establish a strong root mass before sending up a flowering stalk.
The leaves forming this rosette are larger and more developed than the first true leaves, often being oblanceolate or ovate in shape with margins that are entire or only slightly toothed. The defining characteristic of the rosette leaves is their texture, which becomes significantly rougher and more bristly. The plant’s species name, hirta, translates to “hairy,” accurately describing the stiff, spreading hairs that cover both the leaves and the developing central crown.
Touching these leaves reveals a texture that can feel coarse, almost like sandpaper, due to the density of the hispid hairs. This dense clustering of rough, deep green leaves right at the soil line is the plant’s strategy for overwintering or preparing to “bolt.” This low-growing, coarse cluster can cover a diameter of several inches before the central stem begins to elongate.
Distinguishing Young Plants from Common Look-Alikes
The early rosette stage of Black-Eyed Susan can sometimes be confused with common garden weeds, particularly other members of the composite family. A simple comparison of leaf texture is often the quickest way to confirm the identity. Few common weeds share the same degree of dense, stiff hairiness that is present on Rudbeckia hirta leaves.
Dandelion Comparison
For example, young Dandelions, a frequent garden invader, have deeply lobed leaves that are typically smooth or only sparsely hairy. They grow from a prominent central taproot.
Broadleaf Plantain Comparison
Broadleaf Plantain, another common look-alike, has smooth, broad, oval leaves with distinct parallel veins. In contrast, the Black-Eyed Susan rosette has a rough, bristly feel and leaves that are generally less lobed than a dandelion’s.
When evaluating a suspect plant, check for the presence of a short, thick, hairy crown from which the leaves radiate, rather than a smooth, flat crown. Confirming the combination of a basal rosette, entire or slightly toothed leaf margins, and the bristly texture provides confirmation that the plant is the desired Black-Eyed Susan.