R. hirta is found throughout the Tallgrass region and is prevalent under a variety of conditions. It generally prefers drier areas. A perennial growing to 3 feet tall, it has bright orange-yellow flowers that bloom from June to September. The stem is hairy and without branches below the flower heads.

Rudbeckia named after Olof Rudbeck the elder (1630 - 1702) and the younger (1660 - 1740). Hirta is from the Latin word for "hairy".

Black-eyed Susan was used extensively by early settlers as a stimulant and a diuretic. They brewed a tea from the dried leaves and felt it acted as a stimulant for the kidneys. The Potawatomi made a tea from the root to relieve suffering from colds.

Edible Uses: Unknown

Medicinal Uses: An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of colds, dropsy and worms in children. A warm infusion of the root has been used as a wash on sores and snake bites. The ooze from the roots has been used as drops to treat earaches.

Other Uses: A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers.

Herbal Uses: Unknown