Coreopsis gigantea

Family: Asteraceae

Common name: TICKSEED

Native to: Southwest California

Sentiment: always cheerful

Plant

Type: perennial

Forms: clumping, erect, rosette

Max height: 3.3 feet

Max width: 3.3 feet

Flower

brown/black, yellow

Leaf

green

Horticulture

Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, bird, specific butterfly species

Plant part consumed by birds: seeds

Plant features: self-sows

Exposure: part shade, sun

Landscape uses: container, cut flower

Propagates by: seed

flowers in spring

Soil type: loam

USDA Zones: zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f, zone 10 to +30 f

Temp. range: +10 to +40 °F

Water: dry, moderate

Butterflies that feed on this plant

profile

margin

flower

apical

branch

leaf

Coreopsis gigantea
There are 103 species of Coreopsis, a member of the Aster family (Compositae). It is also called TICKSEED. Seven of these plants are cultivated and are an interesting and diverse group of plants. Cultivated Coreopsis perennials include auriculata, gigantea, grandiflora, lanceolata, rosea, tinctoria, and verticillata. TICKSEED grows from seed in Zones 4-10 and flower in spring or summer. Several of them tolerate dry conditions. They range in height from two to five feet and attract birds as well.

The unusual appearance of Coreopsis gigantea is due to its stout primary stem. It grows to 3 ½ feet high and wide and can self-sow to create a naturalized patch. The height includes the inflorescence - the plant itself is about a foot shorter. Grow it in sun or part shade in Zones 8-10. Give it moderate or dry watering. This Coreopsis can be grown in a container. It is a handsome plant that provides a diverse focal point in the garden and will feed adult butterflies.

In addition to the butterflies that come to plants in the Compositae family to feed, Coreopsis is particularly appealing to these adult butterfly species:
Atalopedes campestris, SACHEM
Danaus plexippus, MONARCH
Junonia coenia, COMMON BUCKEYE
Zerene cesonia, SOUTHERN DOGFACE

Container plants that attract adult butterflies - perennial

This plant can be grown in a container and will attract and feed adult butterflies. These plant can be found in every height range – from tiny to large – from less than a foot high to over 10 feet tall.

Our database of nectar plants for all US butterflies contains over 10,000 entries. The top five nectar plants -- Cirsium, Lantana, Asclepias, Salvia, and Verbena -- will appeal to 90% of all US butterflies. Pick from these if you want to provide nectar for your local butterflies.

Once you start with these, you can add from another 630 genera in 110 plant families to attract more insects to your garden.

By far the most import butterfly nectar plant family is Asteraceae. If you grow plants in from this family, butterflies will find your garden.

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