How much sun does Western coneflower need?

Western coneflower grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Western coneflower bloom?

Western coneflower blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Western coneflower native?

Western coneflower (Rudbeckia occidentalis) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Western coneflower host?

Western coneflower is a larval host plant for silvery checkerspot.

Western coneflower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rudbeckia occidentalis

Last reviewed: October 2026

Western coneflower (Rudbeckia occidentalis) is a perennial forb native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees and flies.

Toxicity unknown

Western coneflower (Rudbeckia occidentalis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Central Basin and Range

Tall perennial with large leaves and unusual, petal-less flower heads forming a dark brown-black, thimble-shaped cone. Found in moist mountain meadows and along streams.

Growing Western coneflower

Grow Western coneflower in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for silvery checkerspot.

Larval host plant for the silvery checkerspot butterfly; flowers attract bees and flies despite lacking showy ray petals.

Common questions

How much sun does Western coneflower need?: Western coneflower grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Western coneflower bloom?: Western coneflower blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Western coneflower native?: Western coneflower (Rudbeckia occidentalis) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Western coneflower host?: Western coneflower is a larval host plant for silvery checkerspot.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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