Apple Tree vs Black-Eyed Susan

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Apple Tree

Malus domestica

Rosaceae · trees

EdibleMedium Maintenance

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Apple Tree (Zones 3-8)

Black-Eyed Susan (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Apple Tree	Black-Eyed Susan
Scientific Name	Malus domestica	Rudbeckia hirta
Family	Rosaceae	Asteraceae
Category	trees	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	25'	3'
Spread	20'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	White, Pink	Yellow
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Central Asia	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Apple Tree

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Black-Eyed Susan

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Apple Tree

✓Plant two compatible varieties for cross-pollination.
✓Prune in late winter for shape and fruit production.
✓Thin fruits to 6 inches apart.
✓Spray dormant oil in late winter.

Black-Eyed Susan

✓Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
✓Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
✓Tolerates poor soil and drought once established.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Apple Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

Choose Black-Eyed Susan if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View Apple TreeProfile →View Black-Eyed SusanProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apple Tree and Black-Eyed Susan grow in the same hardiness zone?

Apple Tree grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Black-Eyed Susan grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Apple Tree and Black-Eyed Susan have the same sun and water needs?

Apple Tree needs full sun and medium water, while Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Apple Tree or Black-Eyed Susan?

Apple Tree grows taller at 25' compared to Black-Eyed Susan at 3'. Apple Tree spreads 20' while Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6".

Are Apple Tree and Black-Eyed Susan deer resistant?

Black-Eyed Susan is deer resistant, but Apple Tree is not. If deer are a concern, Black-Eyed Susan is the better choice, or protect Apple Tree with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Apple Tree or Black-Eyed Susan?

Apple Tree has medium maintenance while Black-Eyed Susan has low maintenance. Black-Eyed Susan may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Apple Tree	Black-Eyed Susan
Scientific Name	Malus domestica	Rudbeckia hirta
Family	Rosaceae	Asteraceae
Category	trees	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	25'	3'
Spread	20'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	White, Pink	Yellow
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Central Asia	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Care Tips

Apple Tree

✓Plant two compatible varieties for cross-pollination.
✓Prune in late winter for shape and fruit production.
✓Thin fruits to 6 inches apart.
✓Spray dormant oil in late winter.

Black-Eyed Susan

✓Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
✓Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
✓Tolerates poor soil and drought once established.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Apple Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

Choose Black-Eyed Susan if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apple Tree and Black-Eyed Susan grow in the same hardiness zone?

Apple Tree grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Black-Eyed Susan grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Apple Tree and Black-Eyed Susan have the same sun and water needs?

Apple Tree needs full sun and medium water, while Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Apple Tree or Black-Eyed Susan?

Apple Tree grows taller at 25' compared to Black-Eyed Susan at 3'. Apple Tree spreads 20' while Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6".

Are Apple Tree and Black-Eyed Susan deer resistant?

Black-Eyed Susan is deer resistant, but Apple Tree is not. If deer are a concern, Black-Eyed Susan is the better choice, or protect Apple Tree with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Apple Tree or Black-Eyed Susan?

Apple Tree has medium maintenance while Black-Eyed Susan has low maintenance. Black-Eyed Susan may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.