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Tall coreopsis

Coreopsis tripteris

Common names:
tall coreopsis, tall tickseed

Content Detail

Tall coreopsis, a native perennial, can grow to be up to 8 feet tall on long, slim stems. The wide spreading yellow petals of the flower heads surround a dark button center. This species is native to the Chicago Region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.

  • Family (English) Aster (Composite)
  • Family (botanic) Asteraceae (Compositae)
  • Tree or plant type Perennial
  • Native locale Chicago area
  • Size range Large plant (more than 24 inches)
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
  • Soil preference Dry soil
  • Tolerances Dry sites, Occasional drought
  • Season of interest mid spring, late spring, early summer
  • Flower color and fragrance Yellow
  • Shape or form Vase-shaped
  • Growth rate Fast, Moderate

Size: 

Tall coreopsis is 3 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, eventually forming a larger clump over time.

Native geographic location and habitat: 

  Native to the central United States. C value: 5.

Attracts birds or pollinators: 

Wide range of pollinators, including butterflies are attracted to this plant.

Leaf description: 

The leaf arrangement is opposite, with the leaves getting bigger toward the bottom of the plant. The medium green leaves are usually lobed with three parts, the middle section being the longest.

Flower description: 

Yellow, daisy-like flowers sit at the end of a long stem. Centers of the flowers are dark purple or maroon.

Fruit description: 

Flat oblong fruit (achene) with two scales at the tip.

Plant care:

Plant tall coreopsis in full sun and well-drained soil. It may need staking in moist, fertile soils. Deadhead flower stems to prolong bloom time. Divide clumps in the spring or fall.

List of pests, diseases, and tolerances: 

Leaf spots, rust, powdery mildew, and aphids can all be problems, but none are particularly troublesome when planted in dry conditions. Deer and rabbit resistant. Somewhat tolerant of dry soils.

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