Mother Nature's Montrose Garden: July 2022

Lance-leaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): yellow, foreground in Mother Nature's Montrose Garden

Plants in the Sunflower Family (the Asteraceae) really shine in the summer garden. The bright yellow blossoms of this month’s Plant of the Month serve as a beacon for many insect pollinators. While probably not native to Colorado, Lance-leaf Coreopsis deserves a place in any pollinator garden. The scientific name is pronounced: cor-ee-OP-sis lance-ee-oh-LAY-tuh.

Lance-leaf Coreopsis belongs to the same genus as the more common pink-flowered garden coreopsis (Coreopsis rosea), as well as many other yellow Coreopsis species native to North America. Coreopsis lanceolata is native to eastern and central North America, and probably has simply naturalized to Colorado (it is, however, native to neighboring Kansas). It grows in a number of sunny, open, fairly dry locations: open woodlands, prairies, meadows, pastures, old farm fields and roadsides. [1] And, of course, gardens.

Lance-leaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): growth habit

Coreopsis lanceolata is an herbaceous perennial that grows 1.5-3 ft. tall and about as wide (above). Its overall form is mounded, while its roots are both fibrous and rhizomatous. In favored situations it can spread to form dense colonies (see below for management).

Lance-leaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): foliage

Lance-leaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): leaves

The foliage of Lance-leaf Coreopsis is winter-deciduous in cold climates; the plants die back to the ground once cold weather comes. New foliage emerges in spring, and plants are fully re-grown by late May in our garden. The foliage is a nice, fresh, medium green. The leaves (above) are largest at the base (to 4-6 inches), linear to elliptic in shape and occur in opposite pairs. The leaves can be simple or deeply lobed; hairless or with white hairs (trichomes). The overall appearance of the foliage is lacy.

Lance-leaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): flowering plant

The flowers of Coreopsis lanceolata grow on slender stalks above the foliage. The flowers grow in a typical Sunflower ‘head’, one to three inches across, with both ray and disc flowers bright yellow (below). There are commonly about eight ray flowers; their toothed tips give a flowering head the ragged appearance typical of Coreopsis. The ray flowers are sterile; the disc flowers produce the seeds. The flowering season ie typically from May through summer, depending on local climate.

Lance-leaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): flower head

Individual plants flower from four to six weeks. And this is a real boon for the many pollinating insects that visit this plant. Long- and short-tongued bees, pollinator flies, wasps, beetles, moths and butterflies all visit Coreopsis lanceolata. The smaller bees are the most common visitors in Mother Nature’s Montrose Garden. In fact, there are bees visiting these flowers from early morning to evening right now.

The foliage is host food for several species of moths. Rabbits and deer may browse the foliage. And seed-eating birds enjoy the seeds in late summer and fall. All in all, Lance-leaf Coreopsis is a fine habitat plant. For more see reference 2.

Lance-leaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): bee pollinator

Coreopsis lanceolata is not difficult to grow in USDA Zones 3-10. It likes sun, but will tolerate part-shade. Any well-drained soil (except salty) is fine – this species isn’t picky. Ours grow in soil with pH around 8. Once established, it can tolerate extremes of soil moisture; ours are watered every 7-10 days in summer. And no fertilizer needed (unless you grow it in a container).

Lance-leaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): plant growth

Plants increase in size if they are happy. Divide the clump every 2-3 years to maintain vigor. Plants can also be vigorous re-seeders. If not desired, deadhead the spent flower heads (or collect the dry seeds and give to friends and neighbors). Deadheading may also prolong the bloom period. Grow a plant or two in containers if spreading will be a problem. They look great on a patio!

That’s really all there is to plant management. This is quite a hardy plant. Don’t hesitate to trim it back in summer if it gets too unruly. Lance-leaf Coreopsis appears to be quite resistant to diseases and pests, at least in our experience.

Lance-leaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): with
native grasses, wildflowers

Why plant Coreopsis lanceolata? First, its an easy plant to grow in many climates, from arid to humid. You can start plants from seed, making it cost-effective. Seeds can be spread in place in the garden in late fall or early spring. Alternatively, give the seeds 30 days of cold treatment in the refrigerator. Barely cover the seeds with sand or potting soil when planting.

Lance-leaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): with Yarrow

We love the bright yellow flowers for their color in the summer garden. Pair with blue or purple flowering plants for a real pop of color! Native grasses, asters and other native annuals and perennials work well with Lance-leaf Coreopsis. Or plant is near a vegetable or herb garden to attract native pollinators. The flowers produce an attractive yellow natural dye. You can use the flowers fresh or dried for dye.

Lance-leaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): in garden

We recommend this plant for native gardens, meadows, cottage gardens and other informal settings. Its size makes it appropriate for lining paths, mid-bed plantings – even massed in country gardens. The flowers make cheery cut flowers.

Lance-leaf Coreopsis makes a great accent plant and we love it in containers. It can be incorporated into even a small garden. If you prefer a slightly taller, red-and-yellow annual Coreopsis, we recommend the native Dyers Coropesis Coreopsis tinctoria (see: https://mothernaturesmontrosegarden.blogspot.com/2021/07/plant-of-month-july-plains-dyers.html)

Finally, the North American native Coreopses are a wonderful addition to habitat gardens, providing food for pollinators, other insects and birds. If you enjoy (or care about) pollinators, butterflies and birds, Coreopsis lanceolata is certainly a plant to consider.