Coreopsis palmata aka Prairie Coreopsis

Coreopsis palmata is a wildflower from the central United States. It is a perennial, so it lives for years. Common names include prairie coreopsis and stiff coreopsis. Another name is tickseed. It belongs to the aster family, Asteraceae. It grows in Illinois, across Missouri, and in other states. In Missouri, it grows in prairies and glades. It also grows in dry, open woods.

Plants grow about 1–3 feet [0.30–0.91 m] tall. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a usual height of 2.5 feet [0.76 m]. It lists a spread of about 1.5 feet [0.46 m]. The plant forms a mound of stiff, upright stems. Rhizomes are stems that grow beneath the ground. They help the plant spread into broad groups. Leaves grow in pairs on opposite sides of the stems. They have no stalks. Each leaf has strong veins and three narrow parts. These parts have a lance shape. The plant has no leaves at its base.

The flower heads look like small yellow daisies. Eight pale yellow ray flowers ring a flat yellow disc. The rays have no working parts for making seeds. The small disc flowers can make seeds. Missouri Botanical Garden lists bloom from May through July. Chicago Botanic Garden gives a bloom span of two to three weeks. This show takes place in early summer. The flowers draw butterflies and work as cut flowers indoors. Birds visit the plants too. Native insects and mammals feed on nectar, pollen, or leaves.

Grow this plant in full sun and soil that drains well. It suits dry sites and soil with moderate moisture. It can grow well in poor, sandy or rocky soil. It stands up to heat, humid weather, and drought. Both gardens list it for USDA zones 3–8. It needs little care, but rich or wet soil causes problems. Too much water or fertilizer can weaken the stems. It can also lead to fewer flowers. Damp soil that drains poorly can cause crown rot. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major pest or disease problems.

Prairie coreopsis suits meadows, prairie plantings, and rock gardens. It also suits gardens of native wildflowers. It works in borders where gardeners can keep its spread in check. Rhizomes and seed can take it beyond its allotted space. Remove spent flower stalks to limit seedlings and spur more blooms. Cut plants back in summer when their leaves sprawl. Border plants may need division every two or three years. Deer tend to leave it alone. This helps where deer feed on and limit other plants.