Plains coreopsis, Golden tickseed, Goldenwave, Calliopsis
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Marcus, Joseph A.
A slender, 1-2 ft. annual
with pinnately-compound foliage, tickseed is known for its small but abundant yellow flowers, painted maroon near the center. Numerous smooth, slightly angled branches bearing showy, daisy-like flower
heads with yellow rays surrounding a reddish-purple central disk. The yellow petals are notch-tipped. Flower
heads occur on long stalks from the multi-branching stems.
This prevailingly western annual
has escaped from cultivation in the East. It is widespread in the West and the South in disturbed areas, such as moist ditches. Because of its showiness, the flower
is cultivated extensively, hence its common name.
Image Gallery: 37 photo(s) available
Plant CharacteristicsDuration: Annual Habit: Herb Size Notes:
Green Fruit: Size Class:
Bloom InformationBloom Color: Yellow , Brown
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
, DC Canada: AB
, SK Native Distribution:
Plains of c. U.S.; naturalized elsewhere Native Habitat:
Prairie, Plains, Meadows, Pastures, Savannahs, Roadsides, pond banks
Growing ConditionsWater Use:
High Light Requirement:
Sun , Part Shade Soil Moisture:
Moist CaCO3 Tolerance:
Medium Soil Description:
Prefers moist, sandy soil. Conditions Comments:
Coreopsis tinctoria produces showy masses of red-highlighted yellow flowers. It does well in wildflower meadows and predominates in wet years. Though considered an annual,
it may bloom two to three years before dying.
BenefitUse Ornamental: This species is widely cultivated as an ornamental and is escaping. It is sometimes known in the horticultural trade as calliopsis.
Use Wildlife: Nectar-Bees Nectar-Butterflies, Nectar-insects, Seeds-Granivorous birds
Use Food: Flowers boiled in water makes a red liquid used as a beverage.
Use Medicinal: Amerindians used root tea for diarrhea and as an emetic. Dried tops in a tea to strengthen blood. Boiled plant to make a drink for internal pains and bleeding.
Use Other: Was used for a source of yellow and red dyes.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: High