Tall Coreopsis
ExplorePlants
Tall Coreopsis
coreopsis tripteris
Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris) is a stately, native North American perennial wildflower that stands out for its exceptional height and late-summer brilliance. Belonging to the aster family, this robust plant typically towers over neighboring prairie vegetation, producing dense clusters of sunny yellow, daisy-like blossoms that bloom from mid-summer into early autumn. It is highly valued in habitat restoration projects and native gardens alike because of its incredible resilience, low-maintenance nature, and outstanding ability to support diverse pollinator populations during the late season.
Habitat: Typically found in tallgrass prairies, open woodlands, savannas, thickets, moist meadows, and along sunny roadsides.
Appearance
This towering perennial reaches heights between 90 and 270 cm. It features smooth, sturdy green stems that often branch near the top. The leaves are distinctive, typically divided into three lance-shaped lobes (trifoliate), giving the foliage a delicate, airy appearance despite the plant's size. Each flower head is about 3 to 5 cm wide, sporting eight bright yellow ray florets surrounding a contrasting dark purplish-brown central disc that releases a faint, pleasant anise scent when bruised.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusCoreopsis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Because of its imposing height, early American settlers often used wild stands of Tall Coreopsis as indicators of highly fertile prairie soil.
The scientific name 'tripteris' translates to 'three-winged', referencing the plant's characteristic deeply divided three-part leaves.
Unlike many other yellow sunflowers, the central disk of Tall Coreopsis smells distinctly of licorice or anise when crushed.
Special abilities
Ability
Towering Growth Rate
Rapidly shoots upward in late spring to outcompete neighboring grasses and maximize exposure to full sunlight.
Ability
Deep Rhizomatous Rooting
Utilizes a deep, fibrous root system with underground rhizomes to survive droughts, wildfires, and extreme winter temperatures.
Ability
Anise-Scented Defense
Its central discs emit an anise-like aroma that acts as a visual and olfactory beacon for beneficial pollinators while deterring certain herbivores.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 90-270 cm
- Lifespan
- 3-10 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, Tall Coreopsis produces its own food by converting sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into chemical energy.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon Dioxide
- Soil Minerals
Ecological connections
eaten by
Wavy-lined Emerald Moth
Synchlora aerata
The caterpillars of this moth feed on the flower buds and petals of Tall Coreopsis.
mutualism
Long-horned Bee
Melissodes trinodis
Native bees, particularly long-horned bees, frequently visit the flower heads for high-quality nectar and pollen.
eaten by
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
During autumn, these birds feed heavily on the small, flat seeds produced in the dried flower heads.
Traits
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Also known as
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Tall Coreopsis?
The easiest way to identify Tall Coreopsis is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Tall Coreopsis?
90-270 cm
How long does Tall Coreopsis live?
3-10 years
What does Tall Coreopsis eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, Tall Coreopsis produces its own food by converting sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into chemical energy.
Where is Tall Coreopsis usually found?
Typically found in tallgrass prairies, open woodlands, savannas, thickets, moist meadows, and along sunny roadsides.
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