How to identify Sweet Coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa)

How to identify Sweet Coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa)

Sweet Coneflower is distinguished by its statuesque growth habit, typically reaching heights of 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters). It features an upright perennial growth, with a verdant array of lanceolate leaves. The plant bursts into a vibrant display of often bright yellow, daisy-like flowers, each with a prominent, raised central cone that adds a distinct textural appeal. These radiant blossoms are adept at drawing in an array of pollinators to its outspread petals. The foliage exudes a subtle aroma when touched, which some may find pleasantly herby.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen, Deciduous

Quickly Identify Sweet Coneflower

Upright growth reaching 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters), lanceolate leaves, bright yellow daisy-like flowers with raised central cone.

Grey-green leaves with toothed lower edges, downy underside, and coarser texture, along with smaller smooth-edged upper leaves.

Bright yellow flowers with purple central disk, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in diameter, fragrant when crushed.

Seed head containing dark, angular seeds without tuft of hairs, aiding in plant identification and propagation.

Light green stem with spreading hairs, terete (cylindrical), moderately thick (1/8 to 1/4 inch or 3-6 mm in diameter).

Detailed Traits of Sweet Coneflower

Leaf Features

The leaves of sweet Coneflower are grey-green and moderately sized. The lower leaves are larger, up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, and display a toothed edge while being notably downy on the underside. These possess a coarser texture and evident teeth along the margins. Upper leaves are smaller, often reaching around 4 inches (10 cm) in length, with smooth, entire edges, and either have very short stems or are stemless. The leaves' downy texture and toothed lower leaves are key identifying features.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of sweet Coneflower are distinguished by bright yellow ray florets surrounding a central disk that is a striking brownish purple. Each flowerhead spans about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in diameter. The ray florets are numerous and regularly arranged, creating a burst of yellow. The central disks are notably fragrant when crushed, adding a sensory layer to their appeal. Blooming typically occurs from midsummer to early fall, making them a vibrant feature in their natural habitats during this period.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of sweet Coneflower is light green in color, terete (cylindrical), and occasionally slightly furrowed. It typically features a covering of spreading hairs, contributing to a somewhat fuzzy texture. The stem is moderately thick, usually about 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3-6 mm) in diameter, and shows some minor branching. This distinctive appearance aids in identifying sweet Coneflower and differentiating it from other similar species.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of sweet Coneflower manifests as a collection of dark seeds encased within a distinctive, central disk. Each seed is angular, characterized by four sides, but they do not possess any tuft of hairs. After pollination, this disk matures into a dense seed head, containing the numerous small seeds that may subsequently be dispersed. These seeds are key identifying traits with a hardened texture, providing potential for propagation once they are released from the parent plant.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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