Coreopsis - Hardy and Beautiful Wildflowers

Coreopsis lanceolata by naturegirl7

Description

Lanceleaf Tickseed, Coreopsis lanceolata is probably the most common of the almost twenty species of coreopsis distributed throughout the southeast. These golden yellow flowers grow in sand hills and along moist to dry roadsides. They bloom in mid to late spring.

The ray flowers (petals) of this coreopsis are usually toothed which helps in identification. The leaves are linear to narrowly lance shaped. The long flower stalks spring from a hardened base and can be from 8-30 inches long.

Plains Coreopsis by naturegirl7

Description

The large clusters of golden yellow flowers with deep red centers of the Plains (annual) Coreopsis appear in mid summer. Plants reach heights of 12 to 40 inches. Plains Tickseed is native to the lower 48 states and Canada. It is common along roadsides and in disturbed soil. These flowers look nice planted in large groups or with other perennials and annuals.

Though it is not a perennial, it will reseed readily so you usually have some volunteers popping up each year.

Annual Coreopsis can be grown in full sun or part shade in well drained soils. Seeds can be planted in fall or very early spring for summer bloom.

Description

Dwarf Coreopsis is a small native perennial which usually grows from 4-12 inches tall and makes a great ground cover. After the golden yellow flowers bloom, the plants produce short stolons which form long spreading colonies. In the wild, Dwarf Coreopsis can be found growing along roadsides and in openings in mixed hardwood and pine forests. It can take more shade than the other species of Coreopsis.

The variety, Coreopsis auriculata 'Nana' is often grown as a blooming ground cover or border in garden settings. Flowers and stems were once used to produce an orange to red-orange dye.