Black Eyed Susan

The Black Eyed Susan (T. alata) is the official Maryland state flower. Depending on the conditions, Black Eyed Susans grow to a height of 6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m) in tropical zones, but much less as a container plant or as an annual. It has twinning stems with heart or arrow-shaped leaves. It favors sun to partial shade and the flowers, though typically a warm orange can range through red, orange, red-orange and bright yellow with the characteristic chocolate-purple center which inspires the common name.