Quick answer: Plains coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) is native to 16 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. C.Maylett assumed (based on copyright claims)., Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Moist |
| Soil | Moist, sandy soil |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-Jun |
| Height | 1-2 ft, sometimes to 5 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Nectar source for bees/butterflies/insects, birds eat seeds, high deer resistance |
Escaped from cultivation in the East; widely cultivated as ornamental and escaping — not formally regulated.
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Plains coreopsis
Where is Plains coreopsis native?
Plains coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) is native to 16 states across the South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Plains coreopsis bloom?
Plains coreopsis blooms Apr-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Plains coreopsis need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: High water, Moist. Soil: Moist, sandy soil. Mature height: 1-2 ft, sometimes to 5 ft tall.
Is Plains coreopsis good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Nectar source for bees/butterflies/insects, birds eat seeds, high deer resistance.
Is Plains coreopsis deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Plains coreopsis is deer-resistant.
Where can I buy real Plains coreopsis seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Coreopsis tinctoria on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Plains coreopsis.
- Inland sea oats Chasmanthium latifolium
- Hollow Joe-pye weed Eutrochium fistulosum
- Threadleaf coreopsis Coreopsis verticillata
- Dwarf crested iris Iris cristata
- Eastern purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Lemon beebalm Monarda citriodora
Also listed under
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