Brown-eyed Susan is one of 5 species of Rudbeckia native to Illinois. It is very hardy and somewhat drought-tolerant. It forms a more bushy mound than the more commonly cultivated species, growing 3-4 feet tall. It has three-lobed leaves. The flowers look like the familiar black-eyed Susan with yellow rays and brown disks, but the rays are much shorter. It can take full or partial shade. It has the reputation of being short-lived, but it may reseed.