Prairie Coreopsis
Coreopsis palmata
Last reviewed: July 2026
Prairie Coreopsis is a native Illinois wildflower that blooms bright yellow from June through August. This drought-tolerant forb thrives in full sun and attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles to prairie 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
IL
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 blooms from June through August, producing bright yellow daisy-like flowers throughout the summer months.
- What pollinators visit Prairie Coreopsis?
- Prairie Coreopsis attracts a variety of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beetles. The open flower structure makes nectar easily accessible to these beneficial insects.
- Where is Prairie Coreopsis native?
- Prairie Coreopsis is native to Illinois and other parts of the central United States, where it naturally occurs in prairie ecosystems and dry open areas.
- What growing conditions does Prairie Coreopsis prefer?
- Prairie Coreopsis thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it an excellent choice for drought-tolerant native plant gardens and prairie restorations.
- 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Prairie Coreopsis? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz