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Official State Flower of Maryland
The Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) became the official state flower of Maryland in 1918. According to the Maryland Historical Society, this yellow-orange Maryland flower with black eyes was first used as an emblem by Marylanders during the Revolutionary War and has continued to be used ever since, even earning its place on the state flag. This beautiful flower is found throughout the state, blooming from late spring to early fall. The Black-eyed Susan’s scientific name, Rudbeckia hirta, honors two Swedish professors, Olof Rudbeck and his son, Otto Rudbeck, who were botanists during the 1600s and 1700s.
Cultural Significance of State Flower of Maryland
The Black-eyed Susan is a member of the Aster family and is also known as the Gloriosa Daisy, Brown-eyed Susan, and Yellow Oxeye Daisy. Black-eyed Susans are well known for their extreme adaptability and ability to survive almost everywhere. They are hardy plants that can survive under hostile conditions. This lovely wildflower thrives for a very long time and can be found in pavement cracks, roadside ditches, and even front yards. They have evolved into the ideal representations of resiliency, inspiration, and encouragement. Black-eyed Susans are classified under the genus Rudbeckia, which was obtained from the names of well-known Swedish scientists Olof Rudbeck the Elder and Younger.
Sunflower Bouquet
Hydrangeas Bouquet
Lilies Bouquet
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Olof Rudbeck the Elder’s work had the ardent backing of Swedish Queen Christina. Even better, he was able to establish Sweden’s first botanical garden, formerly known as Rudbeck’s Garden. After he died, his son carried on with his studies and rose to prominence as a professor and scientist.
Black-eyed Susan Flower Meaning
The meaning of the Black-eyed Susan flower is happiness, warmth, and love. The Black-eyed Susan is a beautiful flower that symbolizes all that is good in Maryland. The state flower of Maryland is a symbol of our state’s history and pride. Marylanders can be seen wearing a lapel or headpiece with this bright yellow beauty throughout the year. One way to show your Maryland pride while you are visiting the Eastern Shore or Northern Neck is to buy a beautiful Black-eyed Susan flower arrangement at one of our many craft shows!
Black-eyed Susan Flower Facts
- The Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is the state flower of Maryland.
- It was adopted as the state flower in 1918.
- The Black-eyed Susan i.e Maryland state flower is a member of the sunflower family and is native to North America.
- The plant grows to be about 2-3 feet tall and has yellow or gold petals with a black or brown center.
- There are approximately 20 species of Black-eyed Susans in North America, but only two that grow naturally in Maryland: R. hirta and R. fulgida var. laciniata, which are not found anywhere else on Earth.
- Black-eyed Susans can be found from Canada down to Florida, but are most common in the central United States and northeastern Mexico.
- The genus name, Rudbeckia, honors Olof Rudbeckius who authored the first botanical book printed in Sweden.
Want to Deliver Flowers in Maryland?
The Black-eyed Susan is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. The flower blooms from June to September and can be found in meadows, fields, and roadsides throughout Maryland. If you’re looking for a way to show your Maryland pride, try SnapBlooms for FREE flower delivery.
FAQs
The Black-eyed Susan represents inspiration. This plant will undoubtedly blossom where it is planted because of its history of adaptability throughout its migration from the west to the east.
The middle US, from Texas to Wisconsin, is the natural habitat of the Black-eyed Susan.
The state flag’s colors, which are yellow and black, coincide with those of the Calvert family crest in the black and yellow flower.
You can order flowers in Maryland from SnapBlooms which also provides free flower delivery in Maryland.
