Coreopsis (Tickseed, Calliopsis) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, comprising 35 species. Twenty species are native to North America and the others are from Central and South America.
Coreopsis species are annual and perennial plants grown for its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. The perennials are not long-lived and are often treated as summer bedding.
Coreopsis verticillata (Whorled Coreopsis, Thread-leaved Tickseed, Thread-Leaf Coreopsis, and Pot-of-gold), 80 x 45 cm high and across, is a spreading perennial plant that grows naturally in the eastern United States. It can be found growing in dry, thin woods and open pinelands, and can tolerate drought, poor soil, heat and neglect. This species is suitable to grow in hanging baskets, mixed containers, and borders. It has mid-green leaves and bears clusters of bright yellow flowers, each flower is 5 cm across, for a long period from early summer. The species attracts butteflies and is a good companion plant with many other summer-blooming perennials. Its cultivars only vary in size and the intensity of the yellow displayed by their flowers. 'Grandiflora' has dark yellow flowers. 'Moonbeam', 50 cm tall, has lemon yellow flowers on bronzed stems and is a good choice for planting at front of the borders.
Coreopsis grandiflora (Large-flowered Tickseed), 90 x 45 cm high and across, bears large yellow flowers with darker yellow center, in late spring to late summer. 'Early Sunrise', 45 x 38 cm, has semi-double yellow flowers.
Coreopsis lanceolata (Lance-leaved Coreopsis) is a perennial native to the eastern United States, and many parts of the western United States, Canada, and Mexico. It bears yellow flowers in late summer and is usually grown as an ornamental plant.
Coreopsis tinctoria (Plains Coreopsis), 30-100 cm, is an annual and is common to much of the United States, especially in the Great Plains. The leaves are pinnately-divided, galbrous and tending to thin at the top of the plant. The brilliant yellow with maroon or brown centers flowers are borne in mid summer. The species has easy growing habits and bright, showy flowers which makes it a good choice in landscape beautification and as ornamental plants in gardens.
Coreopsis grows well in sun or partial shade, in fertile and well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed or division in spring. Pests are slugs and snails.