East Tennessee Summer Wildflowers

Black-eyed Susans – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

On of the prettiest parts of summer in East Tennessee is the abundance of wildflowers and foliage that grow in the area. One of the most resilient and beautiful wildflowers that is native to the region is the Black-Eyed Susan. A relatively tall flower, the black and yellow beauty grows heartily in fields and open woods making it a local favorite. Because it can grow in a variety of environments, it is known as a pioneer plant. In areas that have been impacted or destroyed by fire or other natural disasters, pioneer plants are the first to grow and flourish. There are around 90 varieties of the Black-Eyed Susan, however not all of them are found in East Tennessee. While they make wonderful cut flowers because of their long vase life (six to ten days with very little up keep), they are also a favorite food of deer and rabbits. As a bonus to their beauty, Black-Eyed Susans are known to attract butterflies and are a favorite flower for butterfly gardens. Beyond their aesthetic value, Black-Eyed Susans are integral for the production of honey. Deterioration of honey producing colonies of bees across the Nation has put the spotlight on wildflowers, such as the Black-Eyed Susan, and the important part they play in maintaining nature’s balance.