Plains Coreopsis

Plains coreopsis or calliopsis, Coreopsis tinctoria, is an annual forb. The plant is common to Canada, Northeast Mexico, much of the United States, especially the Great Plains and Southern states where it is often called "calliopsis."

It often grows in disturbed areas such as roadsides and cultivated fields.

Growing quickly, Coreopsis tinctoria plants attain heights of 12 to 40 inches (30–100 cm). Leaves are pinnately-divided, glabrous and tending to thin at the top of the plant where numerous 1- to 1.5-inch (2.5-to 4-cm) flowers sit atop slender stems.Flowers are brilliant yellow with maroon or brown centers of various sizes. Flowering typically occurs in mid-summer. The small, slender seeds germinate in fall (overwintering as a low rosette) or early spring.

Plains coreopsis is cultivated as an ornamental plant for gardens, and as a native plant for wildlife gardens and natural landscaping. It grows well in many types of soil, but seems to prefer sandy or well-drained soils. Although somewhat drought-tolerant, naturally growing plants are usually found in areas with regular rainfall. Preferring full sun, it will also grow in partial shade.