Black-eyed Susan was designated the state Floral Emblem of Maryland in 1918. Numerous cultivars have been selected for garden planting; some popular ones include "Double Gold", "Indian Summer", and "Marmalade". The roots but not seedheads of Rudbeckia hirta can be used much like the related Echinacea purpurea. It is an astringent used as in a warm infusion as a wash for sores and swellings. The Ojibwe used it as a poultice for snake bites and to make an infusion for treating colds and worms in children. The plant is diuretic and was used by the Menominee and Potawatomi. Juice from the roots had been used as drops for earaches.