Erosion Plant: Black-eyed Susan

Do you have hills that are eroded? 'Black-eyed Susan' have for years been known to be a great fix locations that were damaged due to erosion. They are better known in some areas under the alias Gloriosa Daisy, Brown-eyed Susan, Golden Jerusalem, Poorland Daisy, Yellow Daisy and Yellow Ox-eye Daisy. Native to North American, this plant that has common characteristics to the common daisy for its vibrant yellow petals and dark purple to black center dot.

Black-eyed Susan's are a natural wildflower that can reach to a height of around twelve to twenty-four inches. The yellow rays and dark purple spherical disks bloom around the start of spring and throughout the entire summer. In addition, it is a hardy winter plant that can reach down to around -30°F.

Since it is a hardy plant, growing this plant is very easy. For the most part, I have seen these plants come in seed form however lately gardening centers have been selling them in a three inch pot. It is important when choosing this plant to remember that it is a wildflower and will tend to creep around like weeds. For smaller gardens, this traveling plant is not suggested since it may take over a large amount of area over the years if not kept too closely.

In the early spring or late fall, it is time to purchase a bag of seeds if intending on planting that year. Try picking a location that is full sun. In addition, the soil conditions need to be well-drained; actually they prefer to have sandy soil also. Try planting Black-eyed Susan's in those locations that nothing else will grow. They also like to be planted with mixes of conservation grasses, legumes, and other forbs. Make sure that the Black-eyed Susan has even area to grow though; some grass mixtures can crowd them and kill the entire section of plants. Try using bunchgrasses rather than aggressively spreading grasses. To plant successfully sow the soil about one to two inches deep and sprinkle the seeds around the prepared land.