BLACKEYED SUSAN, Rudbeckia hirta L. 1, lower part of plant; 2, upper part of plant with flowers; 3, seed. Perennial, reproducing by seeds. Stems bristly-hairy, erect, 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) tall, with a few branches. Leaves at base of stem ovate; upper leaves somewhat linear, coarsely toothed or entire, without petioles. Flower heads 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in diameter, on long terminal stalks. Ray flowers orange yellow, surrounding a conelike mass of purplish-brown disk flowers. Seed 4-angled, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) long. Found in old hay fields and upland pastures with dry soil.