plains coreopsis
Coreopsis tinctoria
plains coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 36 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Fire-wise zone 1-2 perennial; ignitability rating 8.0/10.
Colorado nativeOn the CSFS firewise listlow to medium water36 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: No machine-readable author provided. C.Maylett assumed (based on copyright claims)., Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 2: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 3: (c) Devin Kellar, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: Abraham, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 36 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid summer
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelyAnnual that reseeds prolifically, desirable in meadows, manage in tidy beds
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is plains coreopsis good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, plains coreopsis is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting plains coreopsis?
- The main things to know: Annual that reseeds prolifically, desirable in meadows, manage in tidy beds
- How big does plains coreopsis get?
- It matures to about 36 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant plains coreopsis?
- Space plains coreopsis about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is plains coreopsis hardy on the Front Range?
- plains coreopsis is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does plains coreopsis need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is plains coreopsis native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is plains coreopsis deer-resistant?
- plains coreopsis is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is plains coreopsis a good firewise plant near the house?
- plains coreopsis is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does plains coreopsis bloom?
- plains coreopsis blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
