The fourteenth cache in my continuing Garden Series. Rudbeckia is a member of the Asteraceae family. The Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a well-loved species of the genus Rudbeckia. There are a few dozen varieties, both cultivated and wild, within this species. Rudbeckia hirta is native to eastern and central North America, including the Canadian prairies, and has become naturalized throughout Canada, the United States and parts of Asia. They bloom from early summer to frost and are drought tolerant. They attract butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects. Rudbeckia hirta is a traditional medicinal herb of North American First Nations.
The Black-eyed Susan is a biennial plant, blooming in its second year, and then it dies. With early and adequate snow-cover, plants may live for a third year. They are prolific self-seeders. We use them as back-ground plants, and allowing them to go to seed guarantees masses of bright yellow bloom in our garden every year. We also have Gloriosa Daisies, a popular cultivar of Rudbeckia hirta, and we like these slightly shorter, sturdier plants with their huge blooms.
This cache is placed near walkways into Briarwood Park, and across the street from Donna Birkmaier Park, a naturalized park with pathways alongside wetlands, native grasses and wildflowers including Black-Eyed Susans. 
Help protect wildlife as you enjoy these beautiful trails, and please keep your pets on a leash.
Congratulations to SmokinDeni and Geo_GRB for a shared FTF and sasktravelbugs and surfingmoose2012 for the shared STF!
This cache was originally placed for SCAR2019, Saskatoon's annual "Cache and Release" event, held in late May each year. Visit Saskatoon & Area Geocachers Association's web page to learn more about this and other local events. Cache on!