Black-Eyed Susan 'American Gold Rush'

Rudbeckia fulgida 'American Gold Rush'

Asteraceae

• Full sun to part sun (4-6+ hours)
• 22-27" tall x 40-44" wide
• Drought Tolerant: Yes (drought tolerant once established)
• Evergreen: No (herbaceous perennial, dies back in winter)
• Flower Color: Golden yellow with dark brown-black center, blooms mid-summer through early fall
• Wildlife Benefits: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; seed heads feed birds; deer and rabbit resistant

Rudbeckia fulgida 'American Gold Rush' is an award-winning, compact, clump-forming perennial that represents a significant advancement in Black-Eyed Susan breeding. This exceptional cultivar thrives in full sun to part sun in average, dry to moist, well-drained soils, with best flower production occurring in full sun. The plant is highly adaptable, tolerating a wide range of soil types including clay, sandy, alkaline, and acidic soils. Once established, 'American Gold Rush' demonstrates excellent drought and heat tolerance, making it perfect for water-wise gardens. The plant is also notably cold hardy and tolerates hot, dry summers with ease. This is a low-maintenance, easy-care native perennial that requires minimal attention once established and is perfect for beginning gardeners. The naturally compact, dome-like form requires no pinching or staking.

The flowers of 'American Gold Rush' are absolutely spectacular, featuring bright golden-yellow daisy-like blooms 2-3 inches across with slightly arching petals surrounding prominent cone-shaped, dark brown to black centers. The plant produces masses of flowers from mid-summer (July) through September and early fall, with sporadic flowering continuing until frost. The long blooming period provides months of continuous color. The flowers are held on branching, upright stems above the foliage, creating a blanket of golden blooms. This cultivar features smaller, thinner, 2-inch-wide leaves covered with fine hairs that give the foliage a silvery cast. The rich green foliage forms a spreading, compact clump that provides an attractive backdrop for the profuse flowering. Most notably, 'American Gold Rush' offers superior resistance to Septoria leaf spot, a common disease that disfigures many other rudbeckia varieties.

The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the summer, making this an exceptional pollinator plant. As flowers fade, the seed heads become a valuable food source for goldfinches and other birds, providing extended wildlife value into fall and winter. The plant is deer and rabbit resistant, ensuring reliable performance without pest damage. 'American Gold Rush' makes excellent, long-lasting fresh-cut flowers for arrangements. This cultivar has received numerous prestigious awards including the 2023 Perennial Plant Association Perennial Plant of the Year, 2021 Pennsylvania Gold Medal Award, and 2020 All America Selections Perennial Award. 

'American Gold Rush' is spectacular when massed in drifts, creating waves of golden color in perennial borders. Use it in cottage gardens, native plant gardens, prairie and meadow gardens, and wildlife gardens. The compact size makes it perfect for foundation plantings, mixed borders, and containers. Plant in cut flower gardens for abundant fresh bouquets. This native cultivar works beautifully in naturalized areas and is excellent for erosion control on slopes. Pair with purple-flowered perennials like Echinacea, Salvia, and Perovskia for stunning color combinations. Combine with ornamental grasses, Asclepias, and other native perennials for authentic prairie-style plantings. The golden blooms create beautiful contrast with blue or purple asters for extended fall color. This cultivar is ideal for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.