Black-eyed Susans

These flowers are Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta).
They’re recognizable by their bright yellow petals and dark brown to black central cone. Black-eyed Susans are common in gardens and wildflower meadows, and they bloom in mid-to-late summer.

Yes — Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) can be either annuals, biennials, or short-lived perennials, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

• The common wild type (R. hirta) is often grown as an annual or biennial, especially in colder climates.
• Some cultivated varieties and other Rudbeckia species (like R. fulgida “Goldsturm”) are true perennials that reliably return year after year.

If these are in a maintained urban planting bed, they’re likely a perennial variety such as Rudbeckia fulgida.