Plains Coreopsis

'Plains Coreopsis' was collected and catalogued along the Snake River in Washington on October 12, 1805 by Lewis and Clark's "Corps of Discovery" expedition.^[1] It is native to North America from Minnesota to British Columbia, south to Louisiana and New Mexico but is a common garden escape elsewhere. Typically found in seasonally damp, disturbed sites, especially roadside ditches and low, sandy areas.

Also known as 'Tickseed' and 'Calliopsis tinctoria', 'Plains Coreopsis' has slender plants that reach twelve to thirty-six inches in height. They produce masses of flowers that range in color from deep red and bronze to bright yellow with red centers. Blooming in about seventy days, it attracts and provides sustenance for many species of pollinating insects.

If left to mature and stand in your yards and gardens, they also attract seed-eaters such as migratory birds. However, if you want to squeeze out as many blossoms as possible, deadheading is prescribed.