Rudbeckia laciniata, or Cutleaf Coneflower, is an underused perennial forb that brings vibrant, golden-yellow pops to our late summer landscapes. It mostly grows in forest edges with partial shade, but with consistent moisture can grow care free in full sun. It can spread underground by rhizomes, can self-seed, and is a vigorous grower, so though it may not be appropriate for small spaces, it can naturally form masses in the landscape. It works nicely in hedgerows and wet meadows.

The profuse, branching yellow flowers with green centers make wonderful cuts for arranging, and its deeply lobed foliage foliage not only provides visual appeal but is edible and was reportedly a well known part of the Cherokee diet.

Cutleaf Coneflower also supports a lot of wildlife. It is loved by pollinators, and it serves as the larval host plant of several butterfly and moth species. And yet - the plant is not palatable to deer.