Rudbeckia missouriensis, commonly known as Missouri Coneflower, is a deciduous perennial herb native to rocky glades, prairies, and open woodlands in the Central and Southern United States. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant features lance-shaped leaves and daisy-like flowers with yellow rays and a prominent, raised central cone that is purplish-brown, blooming from July to September. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators and are quite showy, making them a favorite among gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts.

Missouri Coneflower is valued for its long blooming period and its ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils where other plants may struggle. It is often used in native plant gardens, wildflower meadows, and as a border plant. This species is drought-tolerant once established and prefers full sun exposure, though it can tolerate light shade. It is not typically plagued by serious pests or diseases, but powdery mildew and leaf spot can occasionally occur. The plant’s ability to self-seed makes it a good choice for naturalistic plantings, but gardeners may need to manage its spread if self-seeding is not desired.CC BY-SA 4.0