Plains Coreopsis

(Coreopsis tinctoria)

Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)

Carolyn Corporaal

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Carolyn Corporaal

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Coreopsis tinctoria, commonly known as Plains Coreopsis or Golden Tickseed, is an annual herb that is native to the prairies and open woodlands of the Central and Eastern USA, as well as the grasslands and open areas of Western Canada and Northeast Mexico. It exhibits a rapid growth rate and typically reaches heights of 30–100 cm (12–40 in). The plant forms a bushy clump with pinnately-divided, glabrous leaves that become sparse toward the top, where numerous flower heads of 25–40 mm (1–1+1⁄2 in) sit atop slender stems. The showy flower heads feature bright yellow ray florets with notched tips and maroon or brown disc florets, blooming profusely in mid-summer and providing a long-lasting display.

Plains Coreopsis is valued for its vibrant flowers and ability to attract pollinators, making it a popular choice for wildflower gardens, meadows, and borders. It is also used for cut flowers due to its long vase life. This species is relatively easy to maintain, tolerating a range of soil types, though it prefers sandy or well-drained soils. While it is somewhat drought-tolerant, it thrives with regular rainfall. Full sun is ideal for optimal flowering, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Plains Coreopsis can self-seed prolifically under favorable conditions, which can be a concern in some areas outside its native range. It is generally pest-free but can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 2-4 feet
Width: 1-1.5 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: Yellow, Red
Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to prairies and open woodlands of the Central and Eastern USA, grasslands and open areas of Western Canada, and Northeast Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Garden Tickseed, Calliopsis, Dyer’s Tickseed, Goldenwave, Nuttal Weed, Painted Tickseed, Plains Coreopsis, Annual Coreopsis, Common Tickseed, Golden Coreopsis

Scientific Names: , Coreopsis tinctoria, Coreopsis tinctoria f. tinctoria, Coreopsis tinctoria subsp. tinctoria, Coreopsis nana, Coreopsis tinctoria var. atkinsoniana, Coreopsis cardaminefolia, Coreopsis atkinsoniana, Calliopsis tinctoria, Coreopsis elegans

GBIF Accepted Name: Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.