Black-eyed Susan for birds in Tennessee
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows. Native to Tennessee, where it feeds or shelters 40 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Rudbeckia hirta
- Native status
- Native in Tennessee
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 6a–8a
- What birds get from it
- seed
- Tennessee birds supported
- 40
- Nesting birds among them
- 30
Growing conditions in Tennessee
Humid subtropical, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River floodplain.
Hot, humid summers in the valleys.
Tennessee 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; high elevations in the Smokies hold northern species year-round.
Nesting season it supports in Tennessee
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 Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
Yes. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is recorded as native in Tennessee. Tennessee spans USDA 6a–8a.
What birds does Black-eyed Susan attract in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, 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 Tennessee?
30 of those birds nest in Tennessee: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Carolina Chickadee (April–June), American Goldfinch (July–September), House Finch (April–August).
Which winter birds use Black-eyed Susan in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Tennessee
- 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.