When does Coreopsis tinctoria bloom?

Coreopsis tinctoria typically flowers from June through September, giving a long summer display of yellow petals with dark maroon centers.

What insects visit Coreopsis tinctoria flowers?

Bees, butterflies, and beetles are the most common visitors to Coreopsis tinctoria, drawn to its open daisy shaped flowers throughout the summer bloom period.

How much water does Coreopsis tinctoria need?

This forb does well with medium moisture but tolerates drier soils once established, making it a flexible choice for meadow or roadside plantings.

What light conditions suit Coreopsis tinctoria best?

Full sun produces the strongest flowering, though the plant can still perform reasonably well in partly sunny spots with a few hours of shade.

Is Calliopsis toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Calliopsis as toxic to livestock.

Is Calliopsis HOA-friendly?

Calliopsis takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Calliopsis

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Coreopsis tinctoria

Last reviewed: August 2026

Coreopsis tinctoria, also called calliopsis, is an annual forb with yellow and maroon blooms from June through September. It grows best in full sun with medium water and suits prairie or meadow style plantings.

Calliopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Calliopsis as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 41 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Piedmont Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains North Central Hardwood Forests Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Sonoran Basin and Range Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Calliopsis produces cheerful yellow and red daisy-like flowers from summer through early fall on slender stems. This easy-to-grow annual self-seeds readily and creates naturalized drifts over time. The bright blooms make excellent cut flowers and add vibrant color to any garden setting.

Growing Calliopsis

Grow Calliopsis in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Calliopsis takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Self-seeding can appear uncontrolled
Annual nature means bare patches in winter
Wildflower appearance may seem too informal

Wildlife value

The abundant nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles throughout the long blooming season. Seeds provide food for goldfinches and other small birds in late fall.

Common questions

When does Coreopsis tinctoria bloom?: Coreopsis tinctoria typically flowers from June through September, giving a long summer display of yellow petals with dark maroon centers.
What insects visit Coreopsis tinctoria flowers?: Bees, butterflies, and beetles are the most common visitors to Coreopsis tinctoria, drawn to its open daisy shaped flowers throughout the summer bloom period.
How much water does Coreopsis tinctoria need?: This forb does well with medium moisture but tolerates drier soils once established, making it a flexible choice for meadow or roadside plantings.
What light conditions suit Coreopsis tinctoria best?: Full sun produces the strongest flowering, though the plant can still perform reasonably well in partly sunny spots with a few hours of shade.
Is Calliopsis toxic to dogs?: Calliopsis is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Calliopsis toxic to cats?: Calliopsis is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Calliopsis toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Calliopsis as toxic to livestock.
Is Calliopsis HOA-friendly?: Calliopsis takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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