Rudbeckia spp.
Family: Asteraceae
Identification points: The stem is erect. The leaves are alternate, single or compound leaves. The cephalic inflorescence has heterosexual flowers that are born at the top of the branches; Tongue-shaped flowers yellow, neutral; Disc flowers are amphoteric, pale green or yellowish to purplish-black.
Ecological habits: Native to North America, it is now cultivated in gardens around the world. Sex likes a well-ventilated, sunny environment. Sensitivity to sunlight is also not strong. Highly adaptable, hardy and drought-tolerant. The requirements for soil are not strict, but avoid water and moisture.
Garden application: Chrysanthemum style is extensive, heat-resistant, long flowering period, is a commonly used flower in summer and autumn gardens. It is suitable for the decoration of parks, institutions, schools, courtyards and other places, and can also be used as flower beds, flower materials, but also cut flowers, vase inserts, in addition, the edge of the lawn can also be arranged into natural planting.
Common cultivars of the same genus:
(1) R. hirta: alias black heart chrysanthemum, hairy leaf chrysanthemum. Perennial herb with coarse bristles throughout. Branches in the near basal section. Leaves alternate, fully margined, sessile, broadly lanceolate. Cephalic inflorescences solitary, 4~5cm in diameter; The tongue-shaped flowers are yellow.
(2) R. laciniata (R. laciniata): alias black-eyed chrysanthemum, yellow chrysanthemum, yellow chrysanthemum, false sunflower. The upper part of the stem is branched, glabrous or slightly pubescent. Leaf mutualism. The cephalic inflorescence grows singly at the end of the branch with a long peduncle. Tubular flowers yellow or yellow-green. The flowering period is July ~ October.
Source: Zhang Shubao, Li Jun, et al., 2014. Garden flower identification color album. China Forestry Publishing House
Image source: Baidu, China Plant Image Library