What's eating my cutleaf coneflower?

Cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata) is a large, robust native that still falls prey to aphids on tender stems and sawfly larvae that skeletonize the broad leaves. Deer graze tall plants readily. Goldfinches harvest seed heads in autumn — typically desirable wildlife activity rather than a pest problem.

Colonies on stems and undersides of leaves; sticky honeydew, sooty mold follows Jet of water to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray

Leaves reduced to a skeleton of veins by pale, gregarious larvae Hand-pick larvae; use pyrethrin spray if infestation is severe

Upper stems and flower heads browsed, leaving ragged stubs Apply deer repellent; use motion-activated deterrents in high-pressure gardens