Western Coneflower
Rudbeckia occidentalis
Care
part shade
moderate
4–7ft tall
Jun-Aug
Resistant
Prized
High Sierra meadows and forest clearings above 6000 ft elevation, with limited distribution in northern California.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your western coneflower in part shade with moderate to high water availability - it naturally grows in moist meadows and seeps, so avoid dry spots. Space plants to accommodate their mature height of 4 to 7 feet and expect them to bloom from June through August. Plant in spring or fall to give the thick rhizomes time to establish before summer heat or winter dormancy.
After Planting
Water moderately during the first growing season to keep soil consistently moist as your plant establishes its root system. This is a perennial that dies back in winter, so don't panic when it disappears - it will return in spring from its rhizome. The main mistake Bay Area gardeners make is planting this native in dry spots; it will struggle without the moisture it craves, so amend soil with compost to improve water retention if needed.
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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Yellow bumblebee; federally endangered since 2017; significant population decline
California endemic, population decline from disease and habitat loss
Wildlife Supported
Insects
early to mid-summer foraging during active colony phase
primary summer nectar source for colony growth
summer nectar foraging for queen and worker provisioning
early to mid-summer foraging for colony provisioning
mid to late summer foraging peak
primary foraging during peak bloom and seed development
summer season nectar collection
summer nectar and pollen source for brood provisioning
+1 more species