Black-eyed Susan for birds in New Brunswick
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows. Native to New Brunswick, where it feeds or shelters 35 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Rudbeckia hirta
- Native status
- Native in New Brunswick
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 3a–5b
- What birds get from it
- seed
- New Brunswick birds supported
- 35
- Nesting birds among them
- 30
Growing conditions in New Brunswick
Humid continental with Bay of Fundy and Gulf of St. Lawrence coastlines and extensive forest.
Mild summers.
New Brunswick birds that use Black-eyed Susan
Year-round residents (14)
Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, Purple Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, House Sparrow, American Crow, Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, Mallard, Brown-headed Cowbird, Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon
Summer breeders (16)
American Goldfinch, Mourning Dove, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, American Coot, Savannah Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Horned Lark, Bobolink, Rusty Blackbird
Winter visitors (5)
Common Redpoll, American Tree Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll
Cold, snowy winters.
Nesting season it supports in New Brunswick
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 — May–August
- Black-capped Chickadee — May–July
- American Goldfinch — August–September
- Purple Finch — June–July
- Mourning Dove — April–September
- Dark-eyed Junco — June–July
- White-throated Sparrow — June–July
- Song Sparrow — May–August
- Chipping Sparrow — May–July
- Common Grackle — May–June
Native plants to pair with Black-eyed Susan in New Brunswick
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 New Brunswick?
Yes. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is recorded as native in New Brunswick. New Brunswick spans Canada 3a–5b.
What birds does Black-eyed Susan attract in New Brunswick?
In New Brunswick, Black-eyed Susan supports 35 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, Purple Finch, Mourning Dove, Dark-eyed Junco.
Does Black-eyed Susan help nesting birds in New Brunswick?
30 of those birds nest in New Brunswick: Northern Cardinal (May–August), Black-capped Chickadee (May–July), American Goldfinch (August–September), Purple Finch (June–July).
Which winter birds use Black-eyed Susan in New Brunswick?
Winter visitors Common Redpoll, American Tree Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll use it in New Brunswick during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Brunswick
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- 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.