If you are looking for a native plant that can be grown in containers, is both beautiful, hardy, and benefits wildlife too,  the Black-eyed Susan  (Rudbeckia spp.)  just might fit the bill.

       My wife and I have grown Black-eyed Susans in containers on our deck for several years.  The tall plants produce a profusion of gorgeous long-lasting blooms.  While the blossoms are visited by pollinators, I would not call it a butterfly magnet.  This is because, at best, butterflies only sparingly nectar at the large blossoms.  The pollinators I see most often on our plants in search of nectar and pollen are small, solitary bees.

       In addition, the Black-eyed Susan is a host plant for the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly.  Well after the plant’s blossoms have withered and died, a number of songbirds eat plant’s seeds.

       The fact the plant is deer resistant make a favorite among gardeners plagued by hungry deer.