The pic looks very much like Rudbeckia hirta, and the white tips to the petals is drought stress. This happens on all Rudbeckia species I've grown when they get too dry. Cherry Brandy at the Ball trial gardens was very consistent. The one plant I have is much like the marketing pics. Darker, but still very nice. It is a seed strain however (like all R. hirta varieties that I know of) and some variability is likely. I'll see if I have a pic when I get home. The Plant Geek www.confessionsofaplantgeek.blogspot.com

did anyone identify the large yellow shrub on the battery in Charleston SC?

It is yellow archangel, Lamiastrum galeobdolon. Unless the clumping cultivar 'Herman's Pride' (which I don't altogether trust), considered invasive in many areas, including here in the PNW.

You're probably right nel. I assumed it was an opening senna flower but it looks more like a pea flower now that you mention it.