Sun Exposure: Sun, Part Sun
Soil Moisture: Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry
Soil Type: Loam, Sand, Loam-Clay, Gravel
Height: 5-9 feet
Spread: 3-4 feet
Blooms: July, August, September, October
Root: Fibrous, Rhizome
Habitat: Black soil prairies, Sand prairies, Savannas, Thickets, Thinly wooded bluffs, Meadows
Landscape uses: Naturalized areas, Meadow plantings
Complimentary Plants: Tall ironweed, Joe Pye Weed, Indiangrass, Big Bluestem
Wildlife Value: The pollen and nectar are very attrative to many types of native bees, butterflies feed on the nectar. Birds eat the seeds. Host Plant: Wavy-lined Emerald, Common Tan Wave
Seed Origin: Wye Marsh, ON (Wye Marsh Wildflower Gardeners seed)
Germination Code: C(60)
Photo credits: #1 by Cephas, #2 by Frank Mayfield, #3 by Frank Mayfield
Coreopsis tripteris - Tall Coreopsis
Tall Coreopsis is a large prairie and savanna plant adapted to seasonally wet soils as well as drier soils. It has a deep root system with robust growth, and does best with root competition from other aggresive plant species. It looks most impressive when it occurs in loose colonies, rather than as a stand-alone specimen. As a background plant in a pollinator garden, this plant it adds a tall fine textured layer that catches each breeze, animating the garden with every sway.
If planted on a wood edge or the side of a house where it receives shade, it may lean away from the wood edge or building structure making it more prone to flopping. Cutting the plant by a 1/3 to 1/2 (Chelsea Chop) in mid-summer or planting strong stemmed plants such as Joe-Pye Weed in front will prevent flopping,
Tall Coreopsis is distinguished from other Coreopsis species by its greater height, later bloom period, and flowerheads with dark purple or maroon centers. In contrast, most Coreopsis spp. have flowerheads with yellow centers.
*This species can be aggresive in their spreading and may not be suitable for small gardens.