These bright flowers, the black-eyed Susan, (botanical name – Rudbeckia hirta) were just begging me to take their picture this afternoon, so I obliged. And as I was writing this post I realized that I knew very little about them. A quick search of Wikipedia produced some interesting information.
1.) It was decided in 1918 that the black-eyed Susan would be Maryland’s state flower.
2.) The black-eyed Susan symbolized “Justice”.
3.) In traditional medicine, the roots of the black-eyed Susan are used an astringent wash to treat sores and swelling. The Native Americans used the root as a poultice for snake bites, as an infusion for treating colds and worms in children, as a diuretic, and the juice of the roots has also been used for earaches.
4.) There are several variations of a cocktail named the Black-Eyed Susan. One variation is the official drink of the Preakness horserace. Here is the Preakness’ official recipe.
What is your favorite flower?
THE JOY OF CAKING 