Rudbeckia subtomentosa ‘Henry Eilers’
(Sweet Black-eyed Susan)

This variant of Sweet Black-eyed Susan was named for the man who found it in a railroad prairie remnant in southern IL. Like its parent, this selection forms a substantial 4’–5’ tall plant that blooms from midsummer to fall. What sets ‘Henry Eilers’ apart from the species is that the golden yellow ray petals of its blooms are rolled, creating an interesting quilled effect. The common name of this perennial alludes to the sweet vanilla-like fragrance of its foliage.