Walk through any meadow in the Free State during the dog days of summer and you'll see them. Those bright, golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark, chocolatey center. They’re everywhere—along the highways, in backyard gardens, and even plastered on the state's most iconic sports trophies.
Honestly, it’s hard to imagine Maryland without the black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). But how did this wildflower become the official state flower for Maryland, and why does it still hold such a massive grip on the local culture? It’s not just about being a pretty plant; there’s a lot of history, some weird horse racing traditions, and even a bit of poetry involved.
The 1918 Decision: A Fight for the Floral Throne
Believe it or not, picking a state flower wasn't exactly a smooth ride. Back in 1896, a group of women at the Maryland Agricultural College (now known as the University of Maryland) decided the state needed a floral emblem. They were basically the original influencers, pushing for the black-eyed Susan because of its "Maryland colors"—the yellow and black that mirror the Calvert family crest on the state flag.
But politics, as always, got in the way.
Another group was dead set on the goldenrod. They thought it was more dignified or whatever. The debate actually dragged on for over twenty years! It wasn't until April 18, 1918, that the General Assembly finally signed the black-eyed Susan into law.
Why it actually fits Maryland
You've probably noticed that Marylanders are obsessed with their flag. Seriously, we put it on socks, crabs, and car bumpers. The black-eyed Susan fits that aesthetic perfectly. The yellow rays and dark brown "eye" match the black and gold of the state flag, which comes from the coat of arms of George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore.
It’s also tough. This flower doesn't need much. It thrives in the humidity, handles the heat, and pops up in the most random places, like cracks in the sidewalk or rocky roadside ditches. That kind of resilience resonates with people here.
The Preakness Stakes and the "Fake" Flower Blanket
If you follow horse racing, you’ve definitely heard of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. It’s the second leg of the Triple Crown, and it’s known as the "Run for the Black-Eyed Susans."
The winner gets this massive, heavy blanket of flowers draped over their neck.
Here’s the secret, though: Those aren't usually real black-eyed Susans.
See, the Preakness happens in mid-May. The problem? Black-eyed Susans don’t actually bloom until June or July. So, to keep the tradition alive, they use Viking Poms—a specific type of yellow chrysanthemum that looks almost exactly like the state flower. They even paint the centers black to make the resemblance perfect. It’s a bit of a "fake it till you make it" situation, but nobody seems to mind.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Name
You might’ve heard the name comes from an old English poem. There’s a famous one by John Gay from the 1700s called "Black-Eyed Susan" about a sailor named William and his loyal love, Susan.
"All in the downs the fleet was moored,
Banners waving in the wind,
When black-eyed Susan came aboard..."
It’s a romantic story, and gardeners often plant "Sweet William" (a type of Dianthus) next to black-eyed Susans so they can bloom together. It’s a cute legend, but the flower itself is actually native to North America, so the English colonists likely gave it the name because it reminded them of the characters in the poem.
A quick botanical breakdown
If you want to get technical, the black-eyed Susan belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae).
- Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta.
- Petals: Usually 13 (fun fact: some say this represents the original 13 colonies, though nature doesn't always count perfectly).
- Center: It’s actually a cone of tiny disk florets, not just one big "eye."
- Leaves: They’re rough and hairy, which helps the plant retain moisture during those brutal Maryland heatwaves.
Growing Your Own Maryland Pride
You don’t need a green thumb to grow these. They are basically the "set it and forget it" of the floral world. They love full sun—think at least six hours a day—and aren't picky about soil.
If you're looking to plant some, here’s the move:
- Seed in Spring: Throw the seeds down in March or April. Don't bury them too deep; they need light to germinate.
- Give 'em Space: They spread. A lot. If you don’t want them taking over your whole garden, give them about 18 inches of breathing room.
- Deadhead for Days: If you snip off the dead flowers (a process called deadheading), the plant will often keep producing new blooms all the way into October.
One thing to keep in mind is that Rudbeckia hirta is often a biennial or a short-lived perennial. This means it might grow leaves the first year, bloom the second, and then drop seeds for the future. Don’t be surprised if your "patch" moves slightly every couple of years as new seedlings take root.
More Than Just a Pretty Petal
Aside from looking good on a postcard, these flowers are heavy hitters in the ecosystem. They are a massive draw for pollinators. If you want to see the Baltimore Checkerspot (the state insect), you should definitely have some Susans in your yard. They also provide nectar for bees and butterflies during the late summer when other flowers might be starting to wilt.
Interestingly, some Native American tribes traditionally used the root of the plant to treat things like colds or even snakebites. While I wouldn't recommend skipping the doctor for a flower root, it shows how long this plant has been a part of the local landscape.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to bring a piece of Maryland history into your life, start by checking your local nursery for "Goldsturm" or "Indian Summer" varieties—they’re particularly hardy. If you're a hiker, head out to Susquehanna State Park or the Cylburn Arboretum in Baltimore during July. You’ll see the state flower for Maryland in its full, wild glory.
For the DIY crowd, try drying the flower heads in the fall. The dark centers make for great rustic indoor decor, and you can shake out the seeds to plant them again next season. It's a simple way to keep the cycle going and support the local bird population, as goldfinches love to snack on the seeds during the winter.