Allergic Reactions to the Black-Eyed Susan Flower

The Full Story

The Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a wildflower that blooms from June to October. They have bright yellow, daisy-like petals. The petals surround a dark brown center, which is where the “black-eyed” in the name comes from. The stems, leaves, and roots of the plants are covered with spiky hairs. Currently, there is no evidence that the flowers can poison humans when swallowed, but they have been known to poison grazing animals. Black-eyed Susans have a disagreeable taste, which could discourage large ingestions. The hairs of the black-eyed Susan can cause irritation to the skin when people come into contact with the plant. The symptoms from skin contact can be as simple as redness and itchiness or as bad as blistering and hives. The black-eyed Susan has also been reported to be the cause of asthma for people with preexisting lung conditions or allergies. 

If someone has skin contact with a black-eyed Susan, follow these steps:

1. Remove the person from site of exposure.
2. Remove contaminated clothing and wash the exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. 
3. Exposed clothing should be washed before being worn again.

If someone unintentionally eats part of a black-eyed Susan, you can help them by following these steps:

1. Have them rinse with water and spit to remove any remaining plant material from their mouth.
2. They can drink a few small sips of water to rinse the remaining material into their stomach.
3. If their mouth is irritated, sucking on ice chips or frozen treats might relieve discomfort.
4. If they are experiencing nausea or vomiting, keep them hydrated with small sips of clear fluids.

If you suspect someone has been exposed to a Black-eyed Susan and is having a problem, check the webPOISONCONTROL online tool for guidance or call 1-800-222-1222.

Lindsy Liu, PharmD
Certified Specialist in Poison Information