<p>{Family Asteraceae} Brown-eyed Susan, also known as blanket flower because of its ability to disperse widely, is one of the hardiest, longest flowering (summer to autumn) native North American perennials. The flowers are daisy-like, yellow with brown to reddish-orange central florets. It gets 30in (75cm) tall. Foliage is gray-green and hairy and form a basal rosette. They work very well in a border or as cut flowers.</p><p>It grows best in well drained, nutrient-poor soil and adapts very well to most sunny locations. It is erect in form, but often spreading, so to keep it tidy in a border, it may require staking. It can be left free for a more natural look. Seed may be sown in spring and will often flower in their first year. Established clumps may be divided in spring, or take root cuttings in winter. Deadhead regularly for an even longer display. In cooler climates, cut it back to about 6 in in late summer to encourage new basal growth to help it get through the winter. Like all members of the Aster family, it may be prone to rust and mildew, and slugs like them.</p><p>Native to western British Columbia, central North America from Saskatchewan to Arizona and down to New Mexico.</p>
