Plains Coreopsis

Description

Coreopsis tinctoria, commonly called plains coreopsis, is a native biennial forb (wildflower) typically found in rocky glades, sandy ground and along roadsides and along railroad tracks.

The flowerheads of Coreopsis spp. provide nectar and pollen to a wide variety of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. The caterpillars of the moths Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald) and Tornos scolopacinarius (Dimorphic Gray) feed on the foliage of Coreopsis spp. and similar plants. Another insect that feeds on the foliage of these species is the leaf beetle, Calligrapha californica, which has been found specifically on Plains Coreopsis.

This plant is occasionally eaten by livestock, but not well.

Easily grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates light shade. Performs well in poor sandy or rocky soils. Tolerant of heat, humidity and some drought. Seeds may be sown indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost date. Set plants out after last frost date. Seed may also be planted outdoors after last frost date. Prompt deadheading of spent flowers may encourage additional bloom and prevents any unwanted self-seeding. Freely self-seeds in optimum conditions. Borders. Naturalize in native wildflower gardens, meadows or prairies. Effective along roads. Good plant for areas with poor, dry soils. Excellent in large plantings.

Native to the region of the Great Plains in North America. Habitats include sand prairies, rocky glades, areas along railroads, roadsides, and waste areas, particularly where the soil is rather barren.

This species is commonly used in the following mixes: Butterfly & Hummingbird Mix, Wildlife Chuckwagon Mix, Streambank Mix, Shadows & Sunbeams Mix, Prairie Patchwork Mix, Dry’n Rocky Mix, Buck’s Hangout, Wet Meadow Mix