Pioneer Flowers

How did this flower get it's name? The best explanation we've found is that it was named after a woman in a poem, written by John Gay, titled Black-Eyed Susan. The poem is about how a man named William sailed away from his love, named Susan.

"When Black-Eyed Susan came aboard

And eyed the burly men.

'Tell me, ye sailors, tell me true

Does my Sweet William sail with you?'"

Sweet William are beautiful pink, purple and white flowers that bloom at the exact same time as Black-Eyed Susans.

Black-Eyed Susan Latin name: Rudbeckia

Additional fun facts: The Black-Eyed Susan is the first flower to bloom again after a fire or natural disaster, giving it the title the pioneer flower. There are over ninety varities of Black-Eyed Susans. And last, but not least, one of America's most prized antiques is a Tiffany Lamp featuring Black-Eyed Susans. The Black-Eyed Susan is the state flower of Maryland.