black-eyed Susan

noun

black-eyed Su·​san ˈblak-ˌīd-ˈsü-zᵊn How to pronounce black-eyed Susan (audio)
: a North American coneflower (Rudbeckia hirta synonym R. serotina) having flower heads with deep yellow to orange rays and dark conical disks

Examples of black-eyed Susan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Although not particularly attractive in winter, black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) seed heads will provide plenty of food for birds. Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 9 May 2026 Plant black-eyed Susan in average, well-draining soil and water it during dry spells. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026 And many popular types of flower seeds such as black-eyed Susan, zinnia, bachelor’s buttons, and foxglove also don't need soaking first. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026 Some plants that need this process, called cold stratification, include milkweed, purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan and redbud, among many others. Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026 Beyond that, try one or two each of black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), bearded iris (Iris Germanica), butterfly-weed (Asclepias tuberosa), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), artemisia, and rosemary as a test. Carol Stocker, BostonGlobe.com, 31 July 2022 While the Kentucky Derby has mint juleps, the Preakness goes for a black-eyed Susan. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 18 May 2022 In her own yard, Crowe combines ornamental grasses with native black-eyed Susan and nonnative sedum. Jennifer Rude Klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5 May 2022 Pick colorful, feel-good plants such as summer coleus and petunia, fall aster and black-eyed Susan, winter’s fragrant golden Mexican orange and camellia sasanqua, and your favorite spring flowers. oregonlive, 8 Sep. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black-eyed Susan was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Black-eyed Susan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black-eyed%20Susan. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

black-eyed Susan

noun
black-eyed Su·​san
-ˈsüz-ᵊn
: a North American daisy with deep yellow or orange ray flowers and a dark center
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