The plant genus Rudbeckia is a diverse group of flowering plants consisting of over 20 species. Commonly known as coneflowers or black-eyed Susans, these plants are native to North America and are prized for their showy blooms and easy-to-grow nature. While the name Rudbeckia is well-known among gardeners, there are several other synonyms that refer to this genus, including Echinacea, Brauneria, Ratibida, and Heliopsis. Each of these names might refer to a specific species or group of species within the Rudbeckia genus, but they all share many of the same traits, including their bright yellow or orange flowers and their ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.