Shining Coneflower, Rudbeckia fulgida
Asteraceae or Sunflower Family
Plant A small sunflower-like plant, 2-5 feet tal. Flower heads about 1-2 inches wide, with a central button of brown disk flowers and several yellow to orange ray flowers. Leaves not opposite each other on the stem, toothed. Blooms in summer.

Likes open places. Occasional in the Park, along Wildwood Drive and the bikeway.

Thin-leaved coneflower (R. triloba) is similar, but has at least some lower leaves with three lobes. Black-eyed Susan (R. hirta) has leaves that are slightly toothed, if at all, and no lobes. It also generally has longer ray flowers. True sunflowers (Helianthus sp.) usually have leaves opposite each other.

Flowerhead