Coreopsis tripteris, commonly known as Tall Coreopsis, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, meadows, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils but is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, making it a reliable and showy choice for prairie restorations, rain gardens, and naturalized borders.
This towering plant typically grows 3 to 8 feet tall and features slender stems with distinctive, deeply lobed leaves divided into three to five narrow segments. From mid-summer to early fall, it produces abundant, daisy-like yellow flowers with dark yellow to reddish-brown central disks. The blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Coreopsis tripteris adds bold vertical structure, vibrant seasonal color, and strong ecological value to native plantings. It provides nectar and pollen for pollinators and seeds for birds like goldfinches. It pairs beautifully with other tall prairie species such as Joe-Pye Weed, Ironweed, and Big Bluestem in rich, biodiverse plantings that support both beauty and habitat.
Coreopsis tripteris, commonly known as Tall Coreopsis, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist prairies, meadows, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils but is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, making it a reliable and showy choice for prairie restorations, rain gardens, and naturalized borders.
This towering plant typically grows 3 to 8 feet tall and features slender stems with distinctive, deeply lobed leaves divided into three to five narrow segments. From mid-summer to early fall, it produces abundant, daisy-like yellow flowers with dark yellow to reddish-brown central disks. The blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Coreopsis tripteris adds bold vertical structure, vibrant seasonal color, and strong ecological value to native plantings. It provides nectar and pollen for pollinators and seeds for birds like goldfinches. It pairs beautifully with other tall prairie species such as Joe-Pye Weed, Ironweed, and Big Bluestem in rich, biodiverse plantings that support both beauty and habitat.
Bloom: mid-summer to early fall
Habitats: abandoned fields; areas along railroads; black soil prairies; cemetery prairies; edges of seeps; limestone glades; meadows in wooded areas; roadsides; thickets; thinly wooded bluffs; typical savannas and sandy savannas
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to mesic
Plant type (height): forb (3 to 8 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: clay-loam; loam; gravel; sand
