Coreopsis tinctoria, commonly known as Plains Coreopsis, is an annual native wildflower found in prairies, open fields, and roadsides across Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils with full sun exposure and is tolerant of poor, sandy, or rocky soils, making it ideal for low-maintenance native plantings and disturbed areas.
This cheerful plant produces slender, upright stems topped with bright yellow daisy-like flowers that have maroon to reddish-brown centers or base markings. Blooming from early to late summer, the flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. Plains Coreopsis typically grows 1.5 to 3 feet tall, often forming airy, multi-branched clumps that sway gently in the wind.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Coreopsis tinctoria is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, and roadside plantings. It provides vibrant color throughout the summer and helps support pollinator populations. Its ability to self-seed and tolerate tough growing conditions makes it particularly useful in naturalized settings or in gardens aiming for a meadow-like, informal aesthetic.
Coreopsis tinctoria, commonly known as Plains Coreopsis, is an annual native wildflower found in prairies, open fields, and roadsides across Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils with full sun exposure and is tolerant of poor, sandy, or rocky soils, making it ideal for low-maintenance native plantings and disturbed areas.
This cheerful plant produces slender, upright stems topped with bright yellow daisy-like flowers that have maroon to reddish-brown centers or base markings. Blooming from early to late summer, the flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. Plains Coreopsis typically grows 1.5 to 3 feet tall, often forming airy, multi-branched clumps that sway gently in the wind.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Coreopsis tinctoria is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, and roadside plantings. It provides vibrant color throughout the summer and helps support pollinator populations. Its ability to self-seed and tolerate tough growing conditions makes it particularly useful in naturalized settings or in gardens aiming for a meadow-like, informal aesthetic.
Bloom: mid-summer to early fall
Habitats: areas along railroads; roadsides; sand prairies; waste areas (particularly where the soil is rather barren)
Lifespan: annual
Moisture: moist to mesic
Plant type (height): forb (1.5 to 3 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: sandy (although other soils are tolerated)
