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Marcus, Joseph A. (Austin, TX)

Coreopsis lanceolata L.

Lanceleaf coreopsis, Lanceleaf tickseed, Lance-leaved coreopsis, Sand coreopsis

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Synonyms: Coreopsis crassifolia

USDA Symbol: cola5

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Lance-leaf tickseed grows in small clumps but forms extensive colonies. It is 1-2 1/2 feet tall and has leaves 3-4 inches long, opposite, sometimes alternate near the top where the leaves are fewer. Some of the leaves are deeply cut, almost forming 3 leaflets. Flower heads are yellow, 1-1 1/2 inches across. The yellow center or disk flowers stand out distinctly from the ray flowers, which appear to be attached just below them. Ray flowers are 4-lobed. The yellow, daisy-like flowers occur singly atop long, naked peduncles.

This native species has branching stems at base and often forms sizable colonies along roadsides and in old fields. A southern species, Greater Tickseed (C. major), 2-3 (60-90 cm) tall, has sunflower-like flower heads 1-2 (2.5-5 cm) wide and opposite leaves deeply segmented into 3 parts, appearing as a whorl of 6. Nearly a dozen other perennial yellow-flowered Coreopsis species occur in the East.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Size Notes: 2-3
Leaf Color: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CA , CO , CT , DE , FL , GA , HI , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , NC , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , WY
Canada: BC , ON
Native Distribution: FL to e. TX & n. NM, n. to VA, Ont., MI, WI, MO & CO; naturalized in n.e. states
Native Habitat: Open woodlands, Prairie, Plains, Meadows, Pastures, Savannahs
USDA Native Status: L48(N), HI(I), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: None
Soil Description: Sandy, gravelly soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Acid-based, Calcareous
Conditions Comments: Lance-leaved coreopsis is the most common coreopsis and is easy to grow. It is drought tolerant but is not a reliably perennial. However it self-sows readily and can become weedy. The showy golden flowers are nice in a vase and are a popular plant for visiting pollinators. It should have frequent deadheading to keep it in bloom well into the summer.
Texas comments: Lance-leaved coreopsis is the most common coreopsis and is easy to grow. It is drought tolerant but is not reliably perennial. However it self-sows readily and can become weedy. The showy golden flowers are nice in a vase and are a popular plant for visiting pollinators. It should have frequent deadheading to keep it in bloom well into the summer.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: None

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds , Clump Division
Description: Plant seeds in early spring. Can also be propagated by division of basal rosettes or by seed. In the fall, lift a clump from the outer edge of the plant and separate the rosette. Remove a few of the leaves to reduce moisture loss, replant, and water thoroughly.
Seed Collection: Nutlets are mature and ready for collection about four weeks after the flowers wither. Watch the inner series of bracts; when they begin to darken, it is time to collect. Remove chaff and store in sealed, refrigerated containers. Storage life is at least three years.
Seed Treatment: Seeds of this species benefit from light and KNO3 enrichment for germination.
Commercially Avail: yes
Maintenance: May be selectively thinned to improve appearance by removing clumps from the interior of the planting. Mulching helps conserve moisture and control weeds.
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Find Seed or Plants

Order seed of this species from Native American Seed and help support the Wildflower Center.

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: We recently were required to put in a new septic system on our vacation property in Door County, WI. This left us with a clearing on our wooded lot where the septic field is now located. The installers said it was too late to plant wildflowers on this plot(weeds as he called them) so they planted grass seed instead. My question is, are there native varieties of wildflowers (such as Queen Anne's Lace, Wild Phlox or others) that could have been planted as late as July or could still be planted this coming Fall? If so I would welcome your suggestions. I am definitely not happy with the stringy unnatural-looking lawn I see emerging in the middle of our nicely wooded lot. Thank you in advance for your reply. Charlan Hamill
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Question: What flowers and plants do the caterpillars in Tennessee eat? And do you know what butterflies live in Tipton Co. Tennessee?
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Question: We live in upstate new york( zone 5) with full sun and clay soil. What flowers/flowering shrubs would be successful in this environment?
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Question: I would like to use native plantings to stabilize a steep bank of a septic leach field in eastern Pennsylvania. My purpose is to control erosion and to eliminate the need for mowing. What would you recommend?
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Question: I recently bought a house in a new subdivision just south of Houston - as with most new developments, the area is devoid of nature for the most part... I have planted many bird/butterfly/bee friendly plants in the backyard and instead of having a traditional lawn, I would like to create a meadow. I have been looking at the Wildflower Center's selection of native seeds, but I'm not sure where to start. Can you help me choose some native grasses and wildflowers that might do well in the wet clay soil? I am a big fan of insects and birds and want to make my yard into a refuge for them. Thank you for your help!
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From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Texas Discovery Gardens - Dallas, TX
Sibley Nature Center - Midland, TX
Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

100 easy-to-grow native plants for Canadian gardens (2005) Johnson, L.; A. Leyerle
Dale Groom's Texas Gardening Guide (2002) Groom, D.
* Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Coreopsis lanceolata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Coreopsis lanceolata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Coreopsis lanceolata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-04-18
Research By: NPIS, ADA, GDB

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