Rudbeckia laciniata L.

Erect, rhizomatous perennial herb. Stems usually glabrous, sometimes sparsely clothed in short hairs, up to 2–(3) m tall. Lower and mid cauline lvs usually glabrous, sometimes moderately clothed in short hairs on lower surface and sparsely hairy on upper surface, petiolate, ovate-triangular, 2-pinnatisect, or 3-foliolate and leaflets 1-pinnatisect; segments ± entire to coarsely and irregularly serrate, (2)–4–16 cm long. Upper cauline lvs similar to lower but becoming shortly petiolate or apetiolate, smaller, and often 3-lobed or not lobed. Capitula c. 8–12 cm diam., in loose cymes. Involucral bracts in 1 row, glabrous, or ciliate to moderately hairy, narrow-lanceolate, subulate, or elliptic and narrowed to base, 8–20 × 3–5 mm. Receptacular scales membranous, with apices densely covered in short hairs. Ray florets 8-numerous, yellow; disc florets numerous, greenish yellow. Achenes brown, glabrous, 3.5–5 mm long; corona indistinct.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Jan.–Mar.