Flower for the Day Sweet Coneflower 10-18-21

The weather has begun to cool and the leaves are beginning to change  but some flower are still thriving. 

Sweet coneflower (Rudbeckia hurt) or black eyed susan is still striking. Yellow ray florets circling conspicuous brown or black, dome-shaped cone of many small disc florets. 

The plant is thought to be an herbal medicine by Native Americans for various ailments.The roots but not the seedheads of Rudbeckia hirta can be used much like the related Echanaciae purpura  with unsubstantiated claims to boost immunity and fight colds, flu and infections. The Ojibwa people used it as a poultice for snake bites and to make an infusion for treating colds and worms in children.

           Autumn's golden girl,

           pretty black-eyed susan smiles

           with summer's last rays.

           Girl with a Dog and Good Shoes

pretty black-eyed Susan smiles

with summer's last rays.