How to identify Plains coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)

How to identify Plains coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)

Plains coreopsis, also known as Garden tickseed, Dye-flower

Plains coreopsis is a captivating flower that stands at about 1-3 feet (30-91 cm) with a vibrant display of daisy-like blooms. These flowers are characterized by their bright yellow-orange coloration that often showcases a contrasting reddish-brown center. The foliage of plains coreopsis is slender and typically finely textured, creating a delicate backdrop for the bold blossoms which span roughly 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter. As a testament to its resilience, plains coreopsis flourishes with an upright habit in a variety of challenging conditions.

Lifespan: Annual, Perennial, Biennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Plains coreopsis

Vibrant daisy-like blooms with yellow-orange petals and reddish-brown center.

Slender, finely textured foliage providing a delicate backdrop for bold blossoms.

Black achenes less than 1/8 inch (3 mm) in size with a single wing.

Opposite, pinnately compound leaves with bright green, feathery appearance.

Distinct notched petals in daisy-like arrangement with reddish-purple central disks.

Detailed Traits of Plains coreopsis

Leaf Features

Plains coreopsis exhibits opposite, highly dissected pinnately compound leaves with linear segments. The leaves are typically 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) in length, featuring slender, elongated segments that provide a delicate, feathery appearance. They are bright green and display a smooth texture. The vein pattern is clearly visible, showcasing a pinnate arrangement that aids in distinguishing this species. The overall structure of the leaves gives plains coreopsis a finely textured and intricate foliage.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

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Flower Features

Plains coreopsis flowers feature notched, yellow petals with a reddish-brown base creating a striking contrast. The central disks are a reddish-purple, adding further vibrancy. Petals typically measure around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length, forming a daisy-like arrangement with a roughly 2-inch (5 cm) flower diameter. The blooming period spans from early summer to fall. These flowers do not emit a strong scent but are visually distinctive, making them easily identifiable to enthusiasts.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of plains coreopsis is a small achene, notable for its black hue. Measuring less than 1/8 inch (approximately 3 mm) in size, this fruit is single-winged, contributing to a unique, flattened profile. Its shape ranges from linear to oblong, offering a sleek appearance, and the surface is distinctly smooth. These identifying features are significant for enthusiasts seeking to distinguish the achene amidst various plant fruits.

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Plains coreopsis and Their Similar Plants

Lance-leaved coreopsis vs. Plains coreopsis: What's The Difference?

The lance-leaved coreopsis attracts pollinators such as honeybees and butterflies but is considered an invasive species in many countries, such as Japan. Originally native to the eastern U.S., it has since spread around the world. The lance-leaved coreopsis grows well in wet or dry soil.

Whorled tickseed vs. Plains coreopsis: What's The Difference?

Whorled tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata) is a flowering tickseed plant species that grows in North America, specifically throughout the eastern United States. Whorled tickseed grows in thin woodland areas and can withstand harsh weather conditions. In horticulture, whorled tickseed are often grown in hanging baskets and containers. They attract butterflies.

Large-flowered tickseed vs. Plains coreopsis: What's The Difference?

Large-flowered tickseed (Coreopsis grandiflora) is a flowering plant that blooms from late spring to early fall. The Latin name Coreopsis grandiflora means "bug view" and "large flower." The common name refers to the small black seeds produced by the plant.

Lobed tickseed vs. Plains coreopsis: What's The Difference?

The lobed tickseed is a wildflower that blooms from early to late spring. The leaves typically only sprout low to the ground, leaving the bright flower atop a long bare stem. This flower will bloom in a scattered pattern until the frosty winter months.

Tall tickseed vs. Plains coreopsis: What's The Difference?

Tall tickseed, or Coreopsis tripteris, gets its name because of its height. This flowering perennial can reach up to 2 to 2.5 m tall. This plant can spread aggressively, so be careful of where you plant it. It grows easily from seed and is just full of bright yellow flowers.

Giant Coreopsis vs. Plains coreopsis: What's The Difference?

Giant Coreopsis is a woody, succulent perennial that is found in coastal areas of western North America and cultivated by nurseries. It is highly drought-tolerant, but susceptible to frost. A member of the sunflower family, it is covered in yellow blooms in the spring and summer. Giant Coreopsis grows up to 1.2 m tall.

Greater Tickseed vs. Plains coreopsis: What's The Difference?

Greater Tickseed (*Coreopsis major*) is a perennial that blooms from spring to summer with large and showy bright yellow daisy-like flowers. Flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Seeds are shiny black and oblong, appearing from summer to fall and attracting many songbirds. It thrives in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.

Whorled tickseed 'Moonbeam' vs. Plains coreopsis: What's The Difference?

A cultivar of Coreopsis, whorled tickseed 'Moonbeam' produces mounds of daisy-like, lemon-yellow blossoms and finely divided leaves. Its name derives from its subtle coloring, as other cultivars produce intensely yellow or even two-toned flowers. Whorled tickseed 'Moonbeam' is noted to be long-lived, and it was the winner of the 1992 "Perennial Plant of the Year" Award.

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Key Facts About Plains coreopsis

Attributes of Plains coreopsis

Lifespan

Annual, Perennial, Biennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 1 m

Spread

30 cm to 60 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 4.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Red

Brown

Orange

Gold

Fruit Color

Black

Stem Color

Green

Red

Yellow

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Plains coreopsis

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Family

Daisy

Genus

Calliopsis

Species

Plains coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)

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Distribution Map of Plains coreopsis

Plains coreopsis grows wild in meadows and prairies natively throughout North America. It has spread widely across Europe and Asia and is also found in southeastern Africa.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Plains coreopsis

A Comprehensive Guide to Plains coreopsis How to Grow and Care for Plains coreopsis