Rudbeckia laciniata (Cutleaf Coneflower)

A confirmed New Jersey native whose seeds directly feed the state bird, cutleaf coneflower is a documented larval host for both the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly and Wavy-Lined Emerald moth - though it's worth knowing this species is toxic to animals despite its historical culinary use as "sochan" by Native American communities.

Species Overview

Rudbeckia laciniata, commonly called cutleaf or green-headed coneflower, is a tall herbaceous perennial native to North American floodplains, stream banks, and moist forests, growing 3 to 8 feet tall. Large, drooping, bright yellow daisy flowers with a prominent pale green to yellow conical center bloom from midsummer to early fall above deeply-lobed, gray-green foliage.

Application

• Wetland, riparian, and moist meadow restoration - rain gardens and streamside plantings
• Erosion control - spreads by rhizome to form large colonies
• Larval host habitat for the Silvery Checkerspot and Wavy-Lined Emerald
• Tall vertical accent for large naturalized plantings

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist, fertile soils preferred; grows in average, medium, well-drained soil
• Drought Tolerance: None/Low - not drought tolerant, requires watering through dry spells
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - A moist meadow and wetland-margin species tolerant of periodically wet soil, consistent with this species' already-confirmed rhizomatous, moist-habitat profile.
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 4-8 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: Yellow; July-October
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list) - New Jersey native confirmed directly
• Hydrology: Mesic-Moist
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Rapid
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged) (extends the confirmed genus-wide (Rudbeckia) deer-resistance pattern seen directly in R. hirta)
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Spreading - rhizomatous
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports butterflies, supports moths

Planting Guidance

• IMPORTANT: toxic to animals despite historical culinary use of the leaves by some Native American communities (known as "sochan"). Can spread aggressively by rhizome and may require support in shaded plantings - divide and deadhead to keep in check.