Rudbeckia occidentalis (Western Coneflower)

Plant Description: clump forming herbaceous perennial producing unbranched stems from a narrow crown. Leaves have a smooth texture with a strongly pointed tip and broadly ovate near the base. Inflorescence is a raised conical to rounded composite of 200-500 disc flowers, each with minute yellow petals together appearing dark brown to maroon, directly below inflorescence is a whorl of bright green leaf like bracts. The center lengthens as the fruits, single seeded achenes, develop. Blooms from summer into the fall. Height: 4-6ft Width: 1-2ft Watering needs: regular Sun needs: full sun to part shade Soil needs: moist to wet Bloom Time: summer into fall Landscape Use and Ecological Function: found in the Western United States in moist mountain meadows and riparian zones at elevations from 3200-9000 ft.  Bees and butterflies flock to Rudbeckia occidentalis when in bloom, while seeds left on the cone heads provide food for birds.