Lanceleaf coreopsis,
Lance-leaved coreopsis,
or Lanceleaf tickseed
Coreopsis lanceolata

This bright yellow, perennial wildflower occurs in open areas and along roadsides. The bold flower head is large (1-2 inches in diameter) and is held on a tall, hairless stem, or peduncle. This is an aster, so the flower head is actually made up of ray flowers and disk flowers. Each ray flower has four lobes and is attached below the circle of disk flowers. Bloom time for lance-leaved coreopsis in Virginia is April to June.

The leaves of this coreopsis are about 3 inches long and mostly opposite. The bulk of the deeply-lobed leaves occur on the lower half of the plant. A few linear, oblong leaves are also present.

This is another sturdy wildflower that has become a favorite of gardeners. It spreads easily by short rhizomes and tolerates poor soils and dry conditions. In ideal situations, it can form large colonies.

A few of the photos in the gallery below were taken at Primland Resort, but the big field of lance-leaved coreopsis was photographed on a farm in Craig County. Brian Murphy is planting his farm fields with native wildflowers and grasses to restore wildlife habitat. See photos of this same wildlife restoration area in August when it is blanketed with coneflowers.

Click any photo below to open a slide show.

Coreopsis