Rudbeckia maxima has attractive oval, blue-green basal leaves that can be up to 18 inches long. The flower stalks rise high above the mounded foliage and are covered with masses of golden-yellow, daisylike blossoms with black centers. Because this plant, which grows 5 to 6 feet tall, is bold-textured, it is best used mid-border because the leaves are low and the plant is see-through. It provides late color in the garden. A massive plant best for naturalistic plantings.