Rudbeckia occidentalis, commonly known as the western coneflower, is a distinctive perennial species in the Compositae family, native to the western regions of North America. It typically grows 90 to 150 cm tall, forming sturdy, upright clumps with coarse, lanceolate leaves along its stems. Unlike most Rudbeckia species, R. occidentalis is notable for its lack of bright yellow ray florets; instead, it produces dark purple-brown, cone-shaped flower heads surrounded by small green bracts. Blooming from midsummer to early autumn, it adds bold texture and a sculptural quality to borders, meadows, and naturalized plantings. The plant thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soils, often found along stream banks and in mountain meadows. Highly attractive to bees and butterflies, Rudbeckia occidentalis combines ecological importance with an unusual, dramatic beauty that distinguishes it from other coneflowers.