Have you ever seen a beautiful bouquet of yellow flowers and wondered if the blooms were sunflowers or black-eyed Susans? The two flowers look similar, but there are several distinct differences between them.
In this article, we’ll compare sunflowers and black-eyed Susans in terms of physical and visual characteristics, blooming season, planting considerations, and uses.
Read on to learn more about the differences between two of the most beloved yellow flowers.
Short Answer
Sunflowers are tall plants with large yellow or orange daisy-like flowers that turn towards the sun.
They are native to North America and typically bloom in the summer.
Black-eyed Susans are also daisy-like flowers, but they are smaller and have a deep brown or black center surrounded by bright yellow petals.
They are native to the Eastern United States and typically bloom in the late summer/early fall.
A Comparison of Sunflowers and Black Eyed Susans
When it comes to flowers, there is often confusion between sunflowers and black eyed susans.
While both are yellow and have petals that look similar, there are some distinct differences between them.
A closer look reveals that sunflowers have a single large yellow disc in the center, while black eyed susans have a cluster of many small yellow disc florets surrounded by petals.
Sunflowers are also taller and have larger petals, while black eyed susans are shorter and have smaller petals.
Moreover, sunflowers only bloom during the summer, while black eyed susans are blooming from mid-summer to mid-fall.
This means that if youre looking for a bright, cheery flower to put in your garden, you can opt for black eyed susans for a longer period of color.
Another interesting difference between the two is that sunflowers tend to be more susceptible to disease and pests, while black eyed susans are known to be fairly hardy and resistant to such issues.
In terms of cultivation, sunflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil, while black eyed susans are a bit more tolerant, as they can thrive in both full sun and partial shade.
Additionally, sunflowers require more frequent watering, while black eyed susans need less water and can thrive on average rainfall.
Overall, while sunflowers and black eyed susans look similar, they have many distinct differences that need to be taken into consideration when choosing which one to grow in your garden.
By understanding the differences between the two, you can better choose which flower will suit your needs and preferences.
Physical Differences
When it comes to the physical differences between sunflowers and black-eyed susans, there are quite a few.
Sunflowers are known for their tall stature and large petals, while black-eyed susans tend to be shorter and have smaller petals.
Sunflowers also have a single large yellow disc in the center, while black-eyed susans have a cluster of many small yellow disc florets surrounded by petals.
In terms of color, both flowers are typically yellow, although variations of each can be found in shades of orange, red, and white.
The size of the flowers is also worth mentioning.
Sunflowers can reach heights of up to four feet, while black-eyed susans typically only reach about two feet.
The size of the petals also varies between the two flowers.
Sunflowers have larger petals that can measure up to three inches, while black-eyed susans have petals that typically measure between one and two inches.
Finally, the blooming period for each flower is different.
Sunflowers typically only bloom during the summer months, while black-eyed susans are blooming from mid-summer to mid-fall.
This means that sunflowers are a great choice for adding a splash of color to your garden during the summer months, while black-eyed susans will add color to your landscape for a longer period of time.
Visual Differences
At first glance, sunflowers and black eyed susans may look very similar, but there are several key differences that can help you tell them apart.
Sunflowers have a single large yellow disc in the center, while black eyed susans have a cluster of many small yellow disc florets surrounded by petals.
Sunflowers have large petals that are arranged in a spiral pattern around the center, while black eyed susans have smaller petals that are arranged in a ray pattern.
The color of the petals can also be used to tell the difference.
Sunflowers are usually bright yellow with a hint of orange, while black eyed susans are more of a golden yellow.
Another way to tell them apart is by looking at the size.
Sunflowers are usually taller, while black eyed susans are shorter.
The height of the two flowers can vary depending on the species and the climate, but sunflowers are usually at least twice as tall as black eyed susans.
Sunflower Blooming Season
When it comes to the blooming season of sunflowers and black-eyed susans, there is definitely a difference.
Sunflowers are typically found in bloom during the summer months, as they are a warm weather flower.
They typically start to bloom in late June or early July and will bloom until the first frost of the season.
On the other hand, black-eyed susans are a bit hardier and can be found in bloom from mid-summer to mid-fall.
Depending on the region, you may even find them blooming into October.
Given their different blooming seasons, sunflowers and black-eyed susans make excellent companion plants.
Planting them together can give your garden a beautiful, summery look that will last throughout the autumn months.
Black Eyed Susan Blooming Season
When it comes to the blooming season of sunflowers and black eyed susans, there is a notable difference.
Sunflowers typically only bloom during the summer, usually from late June to late August.
On the other hand, black eyed susans are known for their long blooming season, lasting from mid-summer to mid-fall.
This extended blooming period allows black eyed susans to be some of the longest lasting flowers in the garden.
In fact, some varieties of black eyed susans can even provide color and beauty to a garden throughout the entire summer and into the early fall.
This makes them a great choice for gardeners who want to add a touch of color to their landscape without having to worry about replanting or replacing their flowers every few weeks.
In addition, black eyed susans are also known for their hardiness, as they are able to withstand drought and other conditions that would typically kill other flowers.
This makes them a great choice for gardeners who live in climates that experience extended periods of drought.
The extended blooming season of black eyed susans also makes them a great choice for gardeners who want to add a touch of color to their landscape throughout the entire summer and fall.
With their long lasting blooms and hardy nature, black eyed susans are sure to be a welcome addition to any garden.
Planting Considerations
When it comes to planting either sunflowers or black-eyed susans, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Sunflowers should be planted in the early spring and need lots of direct sunlight.
They should be planted in soil that is rich in nutrients and well-draining.
Sunflowers typically prefer a slightly acidic soil, with a pH of 6.
0-7.
0.
They should also be spaced at least 12 inches apart and fertilized once a month during the summer.
Black-eyed susans, on the other hand, should be planted in the late spring or early summer.
They are tolerant of many soil types and prefer a slightly alkaline soil, with a pH of 6.
5-7.
5.
They should be spaced at least 6 inches apart and require less fertilizer than sunflowers.
Both sunflowers and black-eyed susans should be watered deeply and regularly to ensure healthy growth.
In addition to these considerations, it is important to keep in mind that both sunflowers and black-eyed susans attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds.
Planting a variety of flowers in your garden will help to create a habitat for these pollinators.
Uses for Sunflowers and Black Eyed Susan
Both sunflowers and black eyed susans can be used for a variety of purposes.
Sunflowers are often used in ornamental gardens to create a bright, cheerful aesthetic.
They can also be used to attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, to gardens.
Sunflower seeds are also popular in bird feeders, providing a nutritious snack for our feathered friends.
Black eyed susans are also a popular choice for ornamental gardens, but they can also be used in more practical ways.
The flowers of these plants are edible and can be used to make teas and other herbal remedies.
The leaves and stems can also be used as a substitute for spinach and other leafy greens in cooking.
The roots of the plant can be boiled and eaten like potatoes.
Final Thoughts
Sunflowers and black eyed susans are two beautiful and versatile flowers, each with its own unique characteristics.
The differences between them are distinct, from the shape and size of the petals to the blooming season.
To get the most out of these two flowers, consider what type of effect you want to create in your garden and choose the flower that best suits your needs.
With a little bit of knowledge, you can easily distinguish between sunflowers and black eyed susans, and reap the benefits of both in your garden.