Coreopsis lanceolata Lanceleaf Coreopsis is an easy to grow native perennial with a strong reseeding habit that always provides a good showing of bright yellow blooms for the better portion of late spring and early summer. They usually average between 1-2 feet in height, and have bright green foliage that remains long after the blooms subside. Once ripened and dried, the flower heads provide hard seeds resembling ticks (hence the nickname tickseed) that provide food for all sorts of birds. They frequent prairies, glades, and meadows, but will grow just about anywhere they can get plenty of sun and good drainage in both acidic and alkaline soils. Although its mostly known for its seed production for birds, the blooms are also frequented by many species of butterflies and bees, and moth larvae are known to eat the blooms and foliage- providing even more food for the birds. This cool species is one of our personal favorites in the mix of natives we have growing in front of our offices, and we think you’ll enjoy it as well at your farm or mini-prairie in your yard.
