Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Coreopsis tripteris

Tall coreopsis, Coreopsis tripteris, is a prairie remnant species found growing in the scour zone of the Susquehanna River along the York County line. Five to seven feet tall, this slender, open plant is a graceful accent in any garden.

Blooming from July into August, these three-inch flowers are showy and yet not gaudy. This species grows well in a wide variety of soil, from rich to poor, moist to dry. The plant slowly increases as a clump and is not thuggish. It does well in poor soil, as it doesn't compete well in a thickly planted setting. Pinch the leaves and enjoy the anise scent. Finches will enjoy the seed in the fall.