Coreopsis tinctoria
Coreopsis tinctoria is a showy annual with yellow to bicolored daisies that flower from summer to frost. Plants grow quickly from seed and suit wildflower meadows and informal borders. They perform best in full sun and lean, well‑drained soils. The species reseeds in open ground and can form colorful colonies in wet years. Historically the flowers were used to produce yellow to red dyes.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: species; annual
- Height × spread: 18-60 in (45-150 cm) × 12-24 in (30-60 cm)
- Bloom window: summer to frost
- Color & flower form: yellow to yellow‑with‑maroon eye; single daisies
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in all zones
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown; native to central North America
- Cut‑flower notes: stems slender; harvest when a few flowers are open; typical vase life unknown / varies by handling
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Annual life cycle versus many perennial Coreopsis species.
- Longest bloom window in the genus in many climates when deadheaded.
- Readily self‑seeds, especially in disturbed or sandy soils.
- Bicolored forms offer red‑and‑yellow contrast uncommon in the genus.
Strengths
- Fast to flower from seed.
- Tolerates lean, sandy soils and summer heat.
- Supports pollinators throughout summer.
- Good for meadow mixes and seasonal color.
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun with open exposure.
- Soil and pH: well‑drained, lean soils; neutral to slightly acidic.
- Watering: average moisture; avoid constant wet or boggy conditions.
- Feeding: none to light; excessive nitrogen increases lodging.
- Grooming: deadhead to extend bloom and limit reseeding; stake taller stands if windy.
- Overwintering: none; collect seed if you want repeat displays.
Watch‑outs
- Can reseed freely; deadhead to limit volunteers.
- Taller plants may lodge in fertile soils or wind.
- Not drought‑tolerant in shallow containers.
- Crowded stands can see mildew late in the season.
Best uses (tags)
meadows; cutting; pollinators; borders; naturalizing
Provenance note
Native to the Great Plains and adjacent regions; the epithet tinctoria refers to traditional dye use of the flowers.
References
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox – Coreopsis tinctoria
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – Coreopsis tinctoria
- UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture fact sheet – Coreopsis tinctoria
- ASPCA – Coreopsis (Tickseed) non‑toxic to pets
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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