Rudbeckia

Sharing attributes with both the daisy and the sunflower, these black-eyed susans make for a wonderful summer flower. Bright yellow petals surround a wonderful button-shaped cone of smaller florets colored a conspicuous brown. 

The state flower of Maryland, and can be seen growing wild along roadsides in the South where they also act as a pioneer plant, remediating damaged soil and ecosystems.

With proper care, these flowers should last approximately 10 days in a vase. Change their water daily and periodically trim their stems.