Black-Eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta

Black-eyed Susan is a member of the Aster/Sunflower Family, and is found throughout eastern and central North America. It is also called brown-eyed Susan, hairy coneflower, gloriosa daisy brown betty, yellow daisy, yellow ox-eye daisy coneflower, poor-land daisy, and golden Jerusalem. It prefers full sun and moist to moderately-dry soil. Identification: Black-eyed Susan is usually an annual; but sometimes a perennial, growing up to 3 feet (0.9m) tall and up to 1 ½ feet (0.5m) wide. The leaves are alternate, 4 to 7 inches (10 cm to 20 cm) long, and covered by coarse hair. The branched stems grow from a single taproot.

There is no rhizome and reproduction is by seed only. Be on the lookout for these flowers during late summer and early autumn. They are about 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, with a brownish black dome in the middle, circled by yellow petals. Medicinal Use: Black-eyed Susan is a traditional herb used for colds, flu, infection, swelling, and snake bite. The roots and sometimes the leaves are used to boost immunity and fight colds, flu, and infections. Colds and Flu: A root infusion treats colds and the flu. Common usage is to drink the root infusion daily until all symptoms are gone. Parasites: The Chippewa people have traditionally used Black-eyed Susan Root Tea to treat worms in children. Poultice for Snake Bites: A poultice of blackeyed Susan is said to treat snakebites. Moisten the hopped leaves or ground root and place over the affected area as a poultice. Wrap with a cloth and keep it on the wound until the swelling is reduced. Skin Irritations: Black-eyed Susan root infusions are soothing on irritated skin including sores, cuts, scrapes, and swelling. Use a warm root infusion to wash the irritated skin. Earaches: If you have fresh roots, use the sap or juice as drops to treat earaches. One or two drops in the affected ear treat the infection and relieves pain. Place the drops in the ear morning and night until the infection is completely cleared up. Stimulates the Immune System: Like Echinacea, Black-eyed Susan roots have immune-stimulant activity and boost the immune system to treat colds, flu, and other minor illness. Those with autoimmune issues should be careful using this herb internally due to its immune-stimulating properties. Tuberculosis: Black-eyed Susan contains compounds that act against the bacterium that causes tuberculosis. Harvesting: To harvest the taproot, wait until the plant has produced seeds, then dig the plant up by the root. Black-eyed Susan has one central taproot with hairs, but no other rhizomes. Dig deeply to get the entire root. Use it fresh in season and also dry some root for future use. Warning: Black-eyed Susan plants are toxic to cats and are reported to be poisonous to cattle, sheep, and pigs. The seeds are poisonous. Those with autoimmune conditions should be careful with internal use of this herb due to its immune-stimulating properties.