Coreopsis palmata (Prairie Coreopsis)
| Also known as: | Stiff Tickseed, Finger Coreopsis |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Coreopsis |
| Family: | Asteraceae (Aster) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | sun; fields, prairies |
| Bloom season: | June - August |
| Plant height: | 1 to 3 feet |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | none |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/yellow/coreopsis-palmata-prairie-coreopsis_0715_101129.jpg)
Yellow flower 1½ to 2 inches across with 8 to 12 rays (petals); the center is yellow and turns brown with maturity. There are 2 noticeable impressed veins that run the length of each ray, and there may be a few brownish spots on some. The ray tips are mostly smooth but may have small notches.
![[photo of bracts]](/udata/r9ndp23q/yellow/prairie-coreopsis-100_9160.jpg)
The bracts are about ¼ inch long and very narrow, with rounded tips. Each plant may have a few flowers, though a single flower is common.
Leaves and stems:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/yellow/prairie-coreopsis-100_9681.jpg)
Leaves are 2 to 4 inches long, stalkless, and deeply divided into 3 lobes. The center lobe the longest and sometimes has 1 or 2 additional small lobes. The center vein in each lobe is usually light green; each runs all the way down to the leaf base where it attaches to the stem. Stems are mostly hairless, except at the leaf nodes.
Fruit:
The center disk forms a seed head; seeds are oblong-elliptic, about ¼ inch long, and mostly brown.
Notes:
The palmately lobed leaves make this species easy to identify.
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More photos
Prairie Coreopsis plants
Prairie Coreopsis plants
Prairie Coreopsis plants
Prairie Coreopsis plantsPhotos by K. Chayka taken at Long Lake Regional Park, Ramsey County. Other photos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk.
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2011-07-19 16:36:35
Thank you for this website. I have packages of wild flower seeds that I just throw in my garden for fun. None of the plants I have are pictured on the package. I have a zillion of these yellow flowers and thought they might be coreopsis. And your photo confirmed it.
on: 2011-07-19 17:35:54
Many seed packets marketed as "wildflower" mixes don't contain anything you'd actually find growing wild in Minnesota. ;) Some of those mixes contain invasive species, too, so buyer beware.
on: 2017-06-29 18:34:28
Several plants in one area...like how the leaves look like a crow foot.
on: 2018-09-19 17:40:07
Hi, We have a steep slope across the street from our house with lots of plants. This year some pretty yellow flowers have appeared. I think they are Coreopsis. I would love to have many more of these. I know Prairie Moon Nursery sells seeds and plants. Can I sprinkle seeds over existing plants and have any success in having some take root? The seeds are very small and I would think they would find their way to the soil. Any suggestions are welcome.
on: 2019-07-12 10:24:12
Why are new "native" prairie plantings including Coreopsis lanceolata over palmata? I've seen multiple sites now that do not contain palmata, but rather lanceolata...