MARYLAND - Black-Eyed Susan

 
Wednesday sure rolled around fast...the days are growing shorter now.  I start my days early before the sunrise, but I still never seem to get to everything I want to.  Alas, so many projects...too little time.  But as promised, here we have the next in the series for the STATE FLOWER QUILT project.  (I am still getting some stitching done in the evenings and this one was easy.)  History shows that many of the state flowers were chosen by women; somehow not really that surprising. A group of young women at the Maryland Agricultural College took the initiative to select an official state flower in 1896.  Their choice was the 'black-eyed susan' because it was so commonly seen throughout the state in waves of gold from summer through autumn.  Coincidently, the 'black and gold' also reflected the colors of the coat of arms for the first Lord Baltimore.  It seemed fitting.  But many thought this flower was not fitting and were opposed, siting that it was not a native species.  An article in the Baltimore Sun criticized the choice as well, and referred to it as a common vagabond saying, "Susan came to Maryland--not on the Ark, or by Dove, but as a migrant from the midwest mixed in with clover and hayseed." ( Ouch!  )  Some rallied behind the goldenrod instead.  But farmers declared them both "noxious weeds". 

In spite of those early controversies, Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) was designated and made official by the General Assembly on April 18, 1918. Today it is a cherished state flower, and seems a natural choice as the colors blend nicely with the state flag and state bird (the Baltimore Oriole.)   See how gorgeous he is?

As a side note, in 1986 the Maryland State Hwy department planted over 300 acres of wild flowers to help reduce air pollution, provide wildlife habitat, and to generally enhance the highways.  A mix of both native and naturalized wildflower seeds were scattered.  Eventually, the black-eye susan, with it's enduring staying power and tolerance for dry, poor soil, became the predominant species. 

Flowers are native to the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains and are commonly found in gardens, along roadsides, fields, and open areas where they easily propogate and spread.  They are perennial daisies (annuals in cold climates), similar to the coneflower (also in the sunflower family) and butterflies are attracted to them as they provde a sweet nectar for many months.  The root is used in traditional folk remedies to treat colds and support the immune system, similar to echinaeca. 

 DMC COLORS: I used light orange #728 for the petals; brown #902 for center; and #3349 family for the leaves and stems.  4 strands for all; 3 strands for small lettering.  Satin stitch flower center; outline stitches for flower; back stitching for lettering #645 (smoke gray).

 NOTES:  Images should be 4 x 4 to fit a 6.5" quilt block.  This allows for a 1/4" seam allowance and a finished block measuring 6 x 6.  To get the image:  RIGHT CLICK to save it as a file, or for size options LEFT CLICK on image and choose the 'all sizes' link on Flickr.    If you are visiting my blog for the first time, and/or just starting this project--download the original stitch guide and color chart here as a PDF for a quick reference:  STATE FLOWER QUILT

Comments

[Sandy]

Oooh..how pretty. I am behind on my stitching, but catching up again quickly. This is one of my favorite old-fashioned flowers, perfect for a country bouquet.

[Vee]

For a simple flower, she's a beauty. I had to laugh at the contentious way anything is voted upon, even a flower. Ha!

[Elizabeth]

Thanks for the pattern! I am also way behind on my stitching, but I enjoy working on them. I am having trouble, though, getting the patterns to print out in the same size since they changed Flickr!

[Yvette]

It is lovely. Since I live in COLD country and is considered an annual, do you know if it reseeds itself, or do I have to plant seeds every year?

Thanks

[vicki haninger]

I think I read that they reseed themselves
in cold climates--as long as
birds and mice don't eat the
seeds that fall to the ground.
Sometimes spreading compost or
mulch over them (or where they
were growing) is helpful in
that regard.

[vicki haninger]

Hi Elizabeth! You're welcome...
I'm glad you are enjoying the
patterns. Regarding getting
the right-sized block in Flickr:
1. Click on the pattern
2. Select the "Actions" button (top Left)
3. From drop-down menu select "View All Sizes"
4. Choose MEDIUM 640 (640 X 556) for a
6-inch block--and print.

Happy Stitching!

[vicki haninger]

I know..nothing is ever easy is it? :o)

[Annette]

Hi Vicki,

I just found your beautiful blog. This state flower quilt sounds like so much fun! Maybe after the holidays I can give it a go. This block is lovely!

[Nancy in IN]

thank you for these embroideries. They are so neat.

[ugg boot]

I had to refresh the page 2 times to view this page for some reason, however, the information here was worth the wait.