The Black-Eyed Susan is an astringent used as in a warm infusion as a wash for sores and swellings, and the roots but not seedheads of Rudbeckia hirta can be used much like the related Echinacea purpurea. It is probably the most common of all American wildflowers. I captured this photo on 8/19/2006 at 4:27 PM in York County, Pennsylvania.