Plains Coreopsis

## Landscape value Plains coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria), also called golden tickseed or calliopsis, is a North American annual with finely divided foliage and yellow daisy-like flowers often marked red-brown at the center. It provides summer color and attracts pollinators. The [USDA NRCS fact sheet](https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_coti3.pdf) describes its annual life cycle and growth; [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/coreopsis-tinctoria/) describes its garden use. ## Growing and maintenance Grow in full sun and adjust water to soil and conditions; the [Colorado 2025 guide](https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CSFS_CSU-Ext_Fact-Sheets_IRLP_2025_081825-2_web_accessible.pdf) lists low-to-medium water, approximately 3 feet tall and summer flowering at its listed elevations of 5,000–9,000 feet. USDA reports plants may reach 4 feet. It can reseed; remove spent heads to limit seedlings and clear dry stalks as appropriate. ## Firewise context Colorado assigns this species ignitability score 8. Its annual life cycle means dry seasonal growth needs maintenance; follow local guidance for spacing, irrigation and cleanup. No plant is fireproof.