Rudbeckia goldstrum is very easy to grow (I once saw a plant growing out of a crack in the cement of an overpass...and it had a bloom on it!), it is drought resistant and heat tolerant, attracts butterflies and are native to North Carolina. They are very versatile and will grow in full or part sun. They require no special nutrients and are great for cut flower arrangements. It makes the list of deer resistant flowers. They don’t mind moist soil. This variety gets 18-30” tall and about 24” wide.
"May Knight" salvia is a great companion plant!
This photo was taken by a customer of mine. Goldfinches are love the seed so I leave the spent blooms for them.