Thunderchild Flowering Crab vs Black-Eyed Susan - TreeTime.ca

Thunderchild Flowering Crab vs Black-Eyed Susan

Malus x adstringens Thunderchild

Rudbeckia hirta

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Thunderchild Flowering Crab
Black-Eyed Susan

Thunderchild Flowering Crab is a hybrid crab apple known for its attractive and fragrant dark pink blossoms and deep purple mature leaves.

Tree farmers will find this hybrid appealing as a pollinator for other apples, while home growers will enjoy the red pome's ability to attract flocks of Cedar Waxwings in the early spring.

This species is reportedly resistant to fireblight.

Black-Eyed Susan is a striking native wildflower known for its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with dark center disks. With deadheading, the plant can bloom for an extended period, from mid-summer to early fall. These cheerful flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Adding to its ecological value, the plant also acts as a host for the Wavy-Lined Emerald Moth (Synchlora aerata) and the Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) butterfly.

While it is typically a short-lived perennial or biennial, the plant freely self-seeds. This allows it to persist in the landscape, particularly in natural areas where it can spread and establish itself. This plant is drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and deer and rabbit-resistant, making it ideal for challenging environments. The Black-Eyed Susan is well suited to wildflower gardens, pollinator gardens, as well as slopes, banks, and naturalized areas

As a perennial, it dies back to the crown each winter, it will regrow from the base in the spring. Avoid disturbing the crown during late winter to ensure healthy growth the following season.

Thunderchild Flowering Crab Quick Facts

Black-Eyed Susan Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $16.99 - SAVE UP TO 15%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: dark red
Berries: small red pomes that hang through the winter
Flowers: dark pink blossoms
Flowers: bright yellow; daisy-like
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none




Other Names: hairy coneflower