Plains Coreopsis

 Plains Coreopsis, Coreopsis tinctoria, in my garden.  Prairie Parsley is blooming pale yellow in the background.

Ugh!  Traffic was at a standstill due to construction on Highway 96.   But happy distraction! I spied this field awash with gold. Plains Coreopsis, Coreopsis tinctoria, is one of our gorgeous natives.  Another common name, “Golden Wave”, aptly describes the dramatic, wind-blown mass of bright yellow blooms. The species name, tinctoria, comes from a Latin word referring to staining or dying.  That explains another common name, Dyer's Coreopsis. Weavers and spinners who dye their own wool can use Plains Coreopsis blossoms to produce lovely natural dyes in shades of yellow, orange or brown.

Brilliant field full of Coreopsis tinctoria, Plains Coreopsis

I enjoyed it so much, I took another picture:  Field full of Coreopsis tinctoria, Plains Coreopsis. A lot of wool could be dyed from this!

Once you add Plains Coreopsis to your garden, it will re-seed and give you beautiful flowers again the following year.  Your butterflies and bees will love it!

A spot in my garden with Plains Coreopsis and various salvias.