Coreopsis palmata (Stiff Tickseed)

Spreading into spectacular masses of yellow flowers, Coreopsis palmata (Stiff Tickseed) is an upright herbaceous perennial boasting a profusion of daisy-like pale yellow flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with flat yellow center disks. Blooming from late spring to midsummer, each long-lasting blossom features 8 yellow rays, mostly untoothed at their tips. They are borne singly atop stiff, erect stems clad with slim leaves divided into 3 long, narrow lobes. Leaves and stems turn showy red in the fall. Rich in nectar, the flowers attract many pollinators and its fall and winter seeds are devoured by songbirds. Tolerant of heat, humidity and drought, this United States native is a reliable performer. Perfect for wildflower gardens, prairies and meadows. Nice in a vase too!

• Grows up to 18-30 in. tall (45-75 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). Spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding to form large colonies.
• Performs best in full sun in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Thrives in poor, sandy or rocky soils.
• Welcomed addition to wildflower gardens, cottage gardens or prairies and meadows.
• Easy to grow, relatively pest and disease free, this Coreopsis is a favorite of butterflies but is ignored by deer. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew.
• Plants may be cut back hard in summer if foliage sprawls or becomes unkempt.
• Prompt deadheading of spent flowers may encourage additional bloom and prevents any unwanted self-seeding. Limit the spread of stiff coreopsis by keeping it on light, poor soils.
• Easily propagated by division in fall or spring. Rhizome cuttings can also be taken. Sow unstratified seed in fall or stratified seed in spring.
• Native to the central United States, from Indiana northwest to Minnesota and South Dakota, south to Missouri and Oklahoma.