Black-Eyed Susan Flowers: Exploring Their Rich Meaning and Symbolism
You’ll find Black-Eyed Susan flowers growing in the wild throughout Canada and the United States. These perennial beauties spread across open meadows, and their intriguing name reminds us of an enchanting fairy tale from childhood. But where did they get that name? Is there any significance behind these wildflowers? Here we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Black-Eyed Susan flowers, including their history, origins, meaning, and symbolism.
Etymological Meaning
The Black Eyed Susan or Rudbeckia Hirta’s history starts in North America. The flower originated there and was brought to Europe in the 1700s. Legendary botanist Carl Linnaeus named them in 1753 after his mentor Olaf Rudbeck.
What’s more, Black-Eyed Susans were crowned the state flower of Maryland in 1918 and were designated the floral emblem by the general assembly.
The first half of the Latin Rudbeckia Hirta comes from (Rudbeckia, as in Olaf Rudbeck). “Hirta” means rough and hairy, and Linnaeus gave it to the flower because of those particular characteristics.
The flower’s more common name, “Black-Eyed Susan,” has a fascinating backstory. Many believe the Black-Eyed Susan is derived from an 18th-century poem by the same title written by John Gay. The poem is about a woman (black-eyed because she’s been crying) searching for her lover William. William is a sailor, so Susan comes to his ship and asks for him.
The poem relates to the flower because Black-Eyed Susan bloomed simultaneously with another flower known as Sweet William, symbolically representing the lovers finally reuniting.
Black-Eyed Susan Flower Meaning & Symbolism
Like most flowers, the Black-Eyed Susan is more than just a plant. Culturally and symbolically, it has many meanings, and experts see it from multiple perspectives. Read below to learn more about the message behind this flower.
Color Variations of Black-Eyed Susan Flowers
Despite their name, the center of the flower from which the name derives is actually brown. You can identify the variants by both their color and their petal pattern. In terms of color, they usually range from yellow to orange, but some variants can go deeper, even red and purple.
Typically, yellow flowers symbolize happiness and friendship. In movies, yellow flowers almost always represent a happy moment or some kind of optimism. Black-Eyed Susans could embody this same charm.
The Symbolism of Black-Eyed Susan Flowers
Symbol specialists have long associated the Black-Eyed Susan with Justice. They inspire both motivation and positive change.
The flowers could also be associated with childhood. They do bring about images of children running through the meadows and these flowers with a sense of awe and overactive imagination.
Cultural Significance of Black-Eyed Susan Flowers
The most significant cultural tie to Black-Eyed Susans started in their home continent. Native Americans used the flowers for their medicinal properties. They grew all over the plains of North America and were a readily available resource to multiple tribes. They would use the roots to create teas and root baths, the same as herbalists use today.
One of Maryland’s most prominent literary awards (and a rather famous mark nationally) is the “Black-Eyed Susan Award,” a student’s choice award meant to promote literacy and book fandom throughout the state. The award has been in place since 1992, students choose their favorite book, and the winner gets an award mailed to their house.
Suitable Gift Occasions
First of all, remember that the bloom season is also the best for decoration. That means you should only use Black-Eyed Susans for events and gifts between mid-summer and early autumn.
The flowers complement a host of gift baskets, bouquets, and floral arrangements and are suitable for all sorts of occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, thank-you messages, and celebrations.
Next, don’t be afraid of too much purple. Many floral designers agree that purple and pale yellows contrast pretty nicely in an arrangement’s color scheme. They also pair well with perennial grasses and can make great border flowers for any annual garden.
Black-Eyed Susan FAQs:
What is the black-eyed Susan flower?
The black-eyed Susan flower (Rudbeckia hirta) is a member of the sunflower family that is native to North America. It is characterized by its bright yellow petals and dark brown centers, which resemble the eyes of a person or animal.
What does the black-eyed Susan flower represent?
In the language of flowers, the black-eyed Susan flower represents many things, including encouragement, motivation, endurance, justice, and protection. It is also sometimes associated with the solar plexus chakra, which is associated with self-confidence, personal power, and vitality.
How are black-eyed Susan flowers used in various cultures and traditions?
Black-eyed Susan flowers have been used in various cultures and traditions to symbolize encouragement, motivation, and endurance. In Native American cultures, they were used to treat various ailments and were sometimes worn as a form of protection.
What are some interesting facts about black-eyed Susan flowers?
Black-eyed Susan flowers are a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to their hardiness and attractive appearance. They are also sometimes used in herbal remedies and are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
How can I incorporate black-eyed Susan flowers into my home or garden?
Black-eyed Susan flowers are easy to grow and can be incorporated into gardens, window boxes, and pots. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil and can be started from seed or purchased as seedlings.
Wrapping Up:
Steeped in history, spanning the arts and ancient cultures, these beautiful flowers are prized for their stunning hues and intimate structure. Whether you’re growing your own in your garden at home or shopping for a captivating wildflower arrangement, the Black-Eyed Susan is a firm favorite come spring and summer each year. Enjoy!