Prairie Coreopsis
Prairie coreopsis (Coreopsis palmata) is a sun-loving native perennial that decorates Wisconsin’s prairies, meadows, and open fields with its golden blooms. Typically reaching heights of 18 to 30 inches and spreading 12 to 18 inches wide, this hardy plant thrives in full to partial sun and prefers soils with moderate moisture. Its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers measure about 1½ inches across and feature four deeply lobed petals, giving them a distinctive, almost sculpted appearance. Its compound leaves are composed of three elongated leaflets with slightly pointed tips and palmately veined patterns, resembling fingers radiating from a central point. These leaves help distinguish prairie coreopsis from similar species. The plant’s stiff, upright stems support the blooms through mid to late summer, and its underground rhizomes allow it to spread and form dense colonies, making it excellent for erosion control on dry, sunny slopes. Ecologically, prairie coreopsis is a magnet for native pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, and it serves as a host plant for native moth larvae like the Wavy-Lined Emerald and Common Tan Wave. Its seeds also provide winter sustenance for birds, while its resilience to drought and poor soils makes it a reliable performer in native gardens and restoration projects. (July)