Black-eyed Susan for birds in Kentucky
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows. Native to Kentucky, where it feeds or shelters 40 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Rudbeckia hirta
- Native status
- Native in Kentucky
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 6a–7b
- What birds get from it
- seed
- Kentucky birds supported
- 40
- Nesting birds among them
- 30
Growing conditions in Kentucky
Humid subtropical, from the Appalachian plateau in the east to the Bluegrass and the Mississippi lowlands in the west.
Hot, humid summers.
Kentucky birds that use Black-eyed Susan
Year-round residents (23)
Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Mourning Dove, Song Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Towhee, House Sparrow, Eurasian Collared-Dove, American Crow, Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Mallard, Eastern Meadowlark, Brown-headed Cowbird, Field Sparrow, Canada Goose, Horned Lark, Rock Pigeon
Summer breeders (7)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Lark Sparrow, American Coot, Savannah Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak
Winter visitors (10)
Purple Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Pine Siskin, American Tree Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Brewer's Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird
Moderate winters with periodic snow and ice.
Nesting season it supports in Kentucky
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Black-eyed Susan:
- Northern Cardinal — April–August
- Carolina Chickadee — April–June
- American Goldfinch — July–September
- House Finch — April–August
- Mourning Dove — March–September
- Song Sparrow — April–August
- Chipping Sparrow — April–July
- Common Grackle — April–June
- Red-winged Blackbird — April–July
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — May–July
Native plants to pair with Black-eyed Susan in Kentucky
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.
Frequently asked
Is Black-eyed Susan native to Kentucky?
Yes. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is recorded as native in Kentucky. Kentucky spans USDA 6a–7b.
What birds does Black-eyed Susan attract in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, Black-eyed Susan supports 40 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Mourning Dove.
Does Black-eyed Susan help nesting birds in Kentucky?
30 of those birds nest in Kentucky: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Carolina Chickadee (April–June), American Goldfinch (July–September), House Finch (April–August).
Which winter birds use Black-eyed Susan in Kentucky?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Pine Siskin, American Tree Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Brewer's Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird use it in Kentucky during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Kentucky
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.