Rudbeckia fulgida 'Little Goldstar' (black-eyed Susan)

This knee-high version of black-eyed Susan is low and spreading, reaching just under 1.5' in height. The profuse and cheery yellow flowers are long-blooming, putting on a show from mid-Summer through early Fall. This variety has been known to produce more than eighty blooms on just one plant. Full sun to part sun is best, with average soils that are well-drained. Plants spread slowly through rhizomes. Deer tend to avoid black-eyed Susan.  

Black-eyed Susan is native to the eastern United States, occuring in both dry and moist soils in open woods, glades, and thickets. The halo of yellow flowers provides a target and a landing pad that attract a bevy of pollinators, including many birds, butterflies, bees, and other insects, such as beneficial predators like hover flies and minute pirate bugs. Host plant for several butterfly species, including the silvery checkerspot, bordered patch, and the wavy-lined emerald. The ripe seeds are a favorite food of finches in winter. 

Photo credit: Christian Fischer (Wikimedia Commons)