When does prairie coreopsis bloom?

Prairie coreopsis typically flowers from June through August, producing bright yellow blooms on upright stems above finely divided leaves.

How much water does prairie coreopsis need?

This forb prefers low water once established and tolerates dry conditions well, though it can also handle medium moisture soils without difficulty.

What kind of light does prairie coreopsis need?

Prairie coreopsis grows best in full sun and flowers most reliably when it receives at least six hours of direct light each day.

What pollinators visit prairie coreopsis?

Bees, butterflies, and beetles regularly visit prairie coreopsis flowers for nectar and pollen during its summer bloom period.

What growing conditions suit prairie coreopsis?

As a low growing forb adapted to open prairie settings, it does well in sunny, well drained sites with lean to average soil fertility.

Is Prairie Coreopsis HOA-friendly?

Prairie Coreopsis is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Prairie Coreopsis

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Coreopsis palmata

Last reviewed: September 2026

Prairie coreopsis is a drought tolerant prairie forb that blooms yellow from June through August in full sun. It suits dry to medium soils in Midwest and Great Plains gardens.

Prairie Coreopsis (Coreopsis palmata) 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.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AR, IA, IL, IN and 9 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Deer

Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cross Timbers South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Interior River Valleys and Hills

Prairie coreopsis produces cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers from June through August on compact plants that reach 1-3 feet tall. This drought-tolerant native perennial forms neat clumps and requires minimal care once established. The deeply lobed leaves give it an attractive, fine-textured appearance even when not in bloom.

Growing Prairie Coreopsis

Grow Prairie Coreopsis in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Prairie Coreopsis is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Dies back completely in winter
May self-seed in ideal conditions

Wildlife value

The bright yellow flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles throughout the summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for goldfinches and other small birds in fall.

Common questions

When does prairie coreopsis bloom?: Prairie coreopsis typically flowers from June through August, producing bright yellow blooms on upright stems above finely divided leaves.
How much water does prairie coreopsis need?: This forb prefers low water once established and tolerates dry conditions well, though it can also handle medium moisture soils without difficulty.
What kind of light does prairie coreopsis need?: Prairie coreopsis grows best in full sun and flowers most reliably when it receives at least six hours of direct light each day.
What pollinators visit prairie coreopsis?: Bees, butterflies, and beetles regularly visit prairie coreopsis flowers for nectar and pollen during its summer bloom period.
What growing conditions suit prairie coreopsis?: As a low growing forb adapted to open prairie settings, it does well in sunny, well drained sites with lean to average soil fertility.
Is Prairie Coreopsis toxic to dogs?: Prairie Coreopsis is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Prairie Coreopsis toxic to cats?: Prairie Coreopsis is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Prairie Coreopsis HOA-friendly?: Prairie Coreopsis is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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