Giant Coreopsis

leptosyne gigantea

The Giant Coreopsis (Leptosyne gigantea) is a spectacular and iconic perennial plant native to the coastal regions of central and southern California, including the Channel Islands. This fascinating species stands out for its unique woody, succulent trunk, which gives it a tree-like appearance, a stark contrast to many of its herbaceous relatives in the sunflower family. Thriving in challenging coastal environments, it is a master of drought adaptation, shedding its fern-like leaves during the dry summer months and bursting into a vibrant display of yellow flowers after winter rains. Its imposing stature and brilliant floral show make it a distinctive feature of the California landscape, attracting numerous pollinators and serving as a testament to the resilience of native flora.

Habitat: Found in dry, exposed coastal habitats such as bluffs, hillsides, and chaparral, often in full sun.

Appearance

The Giant Coreopsis is easily identifiable by its stout, fleshy, unbranched trunk that can grow up to 210 cm tall, topped with a rosette of finely divided, fern-like green leaves. During its blooming season, typically spring, the trunk branches at the top to produce numerous large, bright yellow, daisy-like flowers, each measuring 5-10 cm in diameter, creating a striking crown of color. The succulent stem often appears woody and brown at the base, gradually becoming greener towards the top where the leaves and flowers emerge.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusLeptosyne

Giant Coreopsis

Interesting facts

During the dry summer months, this plant goes completely dormant, shedding all its leaves and appearing as a bare stick, only to burst back to life with the winter rains.

It is endemic to a very specific and narrow coastal strip of California, making it a true regional specialist.

The Giant Coreopsis is often called a 'tree sunflower' due to its woody stem and large, cheerful yellow flowers, despite being a member of the daisy family.

Special abilities

The Giant Coreopsis sheds its leaves during the prolonged dry season to significantly reduce water loss through transpiration, allowing it to survive arid conditions. New leaves emerge with the onset of winter rains.

Its thick, succulent stems are adapted to store substantial amounts of water, providing a vital reserve during extended periods of drought in its native coastal habitat.

This plant is highly tolerant of the harsh coastal environment, including strong winds, salty air, and nutrient-poor soils, showcasing its resilience in extreme conditions.

Measurements & details

Length: 60-210 cm
Weight: 5-30 kg
Lifespan: 5-30 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, the Giant Coreopsis produces its own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. It absorbs essential nutrients from the soil.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon Dioxide
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Potassium

Foraging Method

Photosynthesis

Ecological connections

mutualism

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Pollination

mutualism

Painted Lady Butterfly

Vanessa cardui

Pollination

eaten by

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

Herbivory

mutualism

California Sagebrush

Artemisia californica

Habitat association

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Giant Coreopsis?

The easiest way to identify Giant Coreopsis is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Giant Coreopsis?

60-210 cm

How much does Giant Coreopsis weigh?

5-30 kg

How long does Giant Coreopsis live?

5-30 years

What does Giant Coreopsis eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, the Giant Coreopsis produces its own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. It absorbs essential nutrients from the soil.

Where is Giant Coreopsis usually found?

Found in dry, exposed coastal habitats such as bluffs, hillsides, and chaparral, often in full sun.

How does Giant Coreopsis hunt?

Photosynthesis