Black-Eyed Susan vs Yellow Hedysarum - TreeTime.ca

Black-Eyed Susan vs Yellow Hedysarum

Hedysarum sulphurescens

Rudbeckia hirta

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Yellow Hedysarum
Black-Eyed Susan

Yellow Hedysarum is a native perennial wildflower recognized for its clusters of pale yellow to creamy-white, pea-like blooms. Flowering from late spring into summer, it adds subtle colour to grasslands, roadsides, and open woods while attracting a variety of pollinators, especially bumblebees.

As a nitrogen-fixing plant, Yellow Hedysarum enriches soils and supports the growth of surrounding vegetation. Its deep taproot and extensive root system make it drought-tolerant and effective at stabilizing soil. Grizzly bears are known to dig up and eat the nutritious taproot. Its resilience and ecological value make it well-suited for restoration, naturalization, pollinator gardens, and erosion control projects.

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.

Yellow Hedysarum Quick Facts

Black-Eyed Susan Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Height: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.8 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: ascending to upright
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: creamy yellow, in dense spikes
Flowers: bright yellow; daisy-like
Bloom time: late spring to summer
Bloom time: early summer to fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC
Native to: SK, MB, ON
Other Names: sulphur hedysarum, sulphur sweet-vetch, yellow sweet-vetch
Other Names: hairy coneflower