Cabbageleaf Coneflower, Rudbeckia maxima

Rudbeckia maxima, or Large Coneflower, is a herbaceous perennial in the daisy family that is easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils in full sun.

It is an easy-going plant that tolerates light shade, heat, some drought, nighttime visits from deer, and a wide range of soils. It can be grown from seed, but in ideal growing conditions, it will self-seed. It also propagates itself through rhizomes. Plant it in along a border, in a cutting, pollinator, or cottage garden or in a meadow or naturalized area.

The flower stalks rise to 7 feet bearing intense yellow-rayed flowers. Each flower is about 3 inches with drooping rays and a 2 to 6 inch dark brown central cone. After the blooms go to seed, it will attract songbirds including goldfinches.