Rudbeckia fulgida

Rudbeckia fulgida is a clump-forming perennial herb native to the eastern United States. Upright stems carry rough green leaves and golden-yellow flower heads whose ray florets surround raised dark brown disks. It grows naturally in open woodland, meadows, and moist sunny ground and spreads slowly through short underground stems. The central disk is composed of numerous small fertile florets, while the surrounding yellow rays form the conspicuous outer ring. Photographed in Florida.