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 Plains Coreopsis toxic to livestock?

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

Is Plains Coreopsis HOA-friendly?

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

Plains Coreopsis

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Coreopsis tinctoria

Last reviewed: October 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.

Plains Coreopsis (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 Plains Coreopsis as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 34 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles, nectar insects

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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 Plains Coreopsis

Grow Plains Coreopsis in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Plains Coreopsis 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 Plains Coreopsis toxic to dogs?: Plains Coreopsis is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Plains Coreopsis toxic to cats?: Plains Coreopsis is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Plains Coreopsis toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Plains Coreopsis as toxic to livestock.
Is Plains Coreopsis HOA-friendly?: Plains Coreopsis 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.

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