Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)

Coreopsis lanceolata is known by the common names Lance Coreopsis, Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Lance-Leaved Coreopsis, Longstalk Coreopsis. When I first saw these, I saw the simple flower and thought they were Lobed Tickseed Coreopsis (Coreopsis auriculata). However, closer inspection of the flowers and leaves show they are Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata). They begin to flower in early June and are prolific bloomers for a couple of months. They grow along road sides throughout the area and along the lake side at Fort Yargo State Park, particularly along the trail from the campground to the dam (segment 6) and south of the Fishing Area (segment 13).

This plant is large compared with many in the area. It stands about 24 to 26 inches tall and was growing in a vacant field in Loganville, Walton County.

Flowers, and leaves, in the early morning sunlight at Fort Yargo State Park (segment 13).

Flowers in the shade in the bank above the lake at Fort Yargo State Park (segment 6). They are cheerful in the shade or on a rainy day.

A developing bud…

Almost ready to open… The petals and flower center are discernible.

Close up of a ‘simple’ flower

Close up of a ‘complex’ flower

Back side of a flower.

Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf Coreopsis) is native to the United States and Canada. It grows in most states except the Rocky Mountain states.
Click on an image to view a larger image

Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf Coreopsis)
- University of North Carolina Herbarium: Coreopsis lanceolata

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Lance Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
- Natural and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia: Coreopsis lanceolata (Lance-Leaved Coreopsis, Longstalk Coreopsis)
- Missouri Plants: Coreopsis lanceolata

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower – Wildflower Index