Orange Coneflower
Rudbeckia fulgida
Last reviewed: July 2026
Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) is a native wildflower found across the eastern United States from Massachusetts to Florida. This bright orange daisy blooms from July through September and attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–36" H × 18"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, DE, FL, GA and 13 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Orange coneflower produces bright yellow-orange daisy-like flowers with dark centers from July through September. This reliable perennial forms neat clumps and is drought tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for sunny gardens.
Growing Orange Coneflower
Grow Orange Coneflower in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 18 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Orange Coneflower is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Foliage dies back completely in winter
Wildlife value
Host plant for silvery checkerspot, gorgone checkerspot.
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles throughout the summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for goldfinches and other songbirds in fall and winter.
Common questions
- Where is Orange Coneflower native?
- Orange Coneflower is native to the eastern United States, with populations from Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Illinois, including states like Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
- When does Rudbeckia fulgida bloom?
- Orange Coneflower blooms from July through September, producing bright orange daisy-like flowers with dark centers during late summer.
- What pollinators visit Orange Coneflower?
- Orange Coneflower attracts a variety of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beetles. The flowers provide nectar and pollen throughout the late summer blooming period.
- What growing conditions does Rudbeckia fulgida prefer?
- Orange Coneflower grows best in full sun but tolerates partial sun. It adapts to various moisture levels from wet to dry soils, making it quite versatile in garden settings.
- Is Orange Coneflower HOA-friendly?
- Orange Coneflower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Orange Coneflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz