Coreopsis calliopsidea, commonly known as Leafstem Tickseed, is an annual herb that is native to the chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and open grasslands of California, particularly in the Central Valley and southern regions. It typically grows to about 40 centimeters (16 inches) in height. The plant is characterized by its inflorescence, which consists of a single flower head with a bell-shaped involucre of triangular phyllaries. The head features a center of up to 50 tiny yellow disc florets surrounded by a fringe of usually 8 bright yellow ray florets, each up to 3.5 centimeters (1.4 inches) long. The flowering season extends from April to June, and the flowers are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Leafstem Tickseed is valued for its vibrant yellow flowers that can add a splash of color to wildflower gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas. It is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water landscapes. This plant is also used in restoration projects due to its ability to thrive in poor soils and its role in supporting native pollinators. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and prefers soils with medium to fast drainage, tolerating very low to low water conditions. While generally free of serious pests and diseases, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0