Coreopsis lanceolata - Lanceleaf Coreopsis

Morphology/Growth Habits: This herbaceous perennial produces vibrant yellow flowers with toothed-tipped petals, shaped similar to daisies. It has a long-lasting bloom, giving your garden a beautiful pop of yellow throughout summer. Its basal leaves are evergreen. Grows upright and forms clumps over time. Self-seeds easily. To extend the bloom period and prevent unwanted seeds, deadheading is recommended. Otherwise division may be needed after a few years to maintain its original shape/size. 

Height: 1-2 ft.

Light: Full Sun

Moisture: Medium

Bloom color: Yellow

Bloom time: May-July

Habitat/Best Environments: This wildflower can be found in prairies, open woodlands, and meadows. Resistant to drought, heat, and high humidity. Coreopsis lanceolata pairs well with Asclepias tuberosa, Baptisia australis, Sporobolus heterolepsis, and Schizachyrium scoparium.

Ecological relationships: This wildflower is a keystone species for Eastern Temperate Forest ecosystems! For good reason—It attracts a wide variety of pollinators and has 18 different specialist bee species! It is a larval host for several moth and butterfly species as well. 

*The entirety of this plant is edible for humans. The flower of Lanceleaf Coreopsis can be used to make a beautiful yellow-orange dye. 

*Please soil test and do proper research before growing a plant for human consumption.

Fun facts: The name ‘Coreopsis’ comes from Greek and translates to ‘bug-like’, referring to their seeds that can resemble small bugs. This is also why its other common name is ‘Tickseed’—but don’t worry— it does not attract ticks!!