Coreopsis tinctoria or Plains Coreopsis as it is commonly known is an annual growing 60 to 120cm in height. It is easy to grow, and thrives in poor, dry soils. It usually blooms from early summer through autumn. The showy flower heads are about 5 cm across with burgundy discs and usually eight golden yellow rays. Coreopsis tinctoria is native to the American Great Plains from Minnesota and Nebraska south to Texas and Louisiana. It is a fast growing, carefree annual that should thrive in almost any well drained soil.

Deadhead regularly to maintain successive flowering. Coreopsis tinctoria is a good choice for planting in the far reaches of your garden, even those places beyond the reach of the watering hose where it will thrive and bloom despite adversity and neglect. They are often grown for cut flowers. Butterflies are attracted to the flowers and birds to the seeds. Coreopsis tinctoria is a popular bedding plant, and a great choice for the beginning gardener. Easy to plant and easy to care for, it will reward with waves of pretty yellow flowers all summer long.