Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Lanceleaf Coreopsis prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rocky or sandy in full sun or partial shade.

Growth Habit/Description:

Usually grows to 2 feet tall. It has simple, opposite, lobed leaves that are 3-6 inches long and 1-3 inches wide. They grow rapidly (which creates risk of sprawling). The flower shape is radial, and the plant's heads have 1 row wih 8 flowers. The color ranges from yellow to orange and they are toothed at the tips.

Bloom Season:

They typically bloom from April to June. 

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

No.

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Because of the attraction of butterflies to this plant, it is possible that it may be used as a host plant for caterpillars.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.  Bees, birds, and butterflies all are attracted to Lanceleaf Coreopsis. So are other pollinators and native bug species. It is commonly used in pollinator gardens for this reason.

Origin of Name:  The genus name, coreopsis, means 'bug-like,' in reference to how the seeds look like a small bug. The "lanceleaf" moniker is simply in reference to its leaf shape.

Related Plant Species:   Coreopsis lanceolata can sometimes be confused for another species in the same genus, Coreopsis grandiflora. Their main difference is that C. grandiflora has larger flowers. All coreopsis species are generally considered low maintenance, but C. lanceolata is considered especially so.

Use For Food/Medicine:

Lanceleaf Coreopsis has been observed to be rich in plant-based antioxidants and can have anti-inflammatory effects. Crushing up the plant for topical usage on minor wounds is appropriate. Steeping dried leaves as use in an herbal tea can also have mild anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox North Carolina. Coreopsis lanceolata  [Cited 2025, Sept 7].   Available from:  plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/coreopsis-lanceolata/

U.S Forest Service. Plant of The Week: Lanceleaf Coreopsis.  [Cited 2025, Sept 7].  Available from: www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/coreopsis_lanceolata.shtml

Hassani, Nadia. How to Grow and Care for Lance-leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata). The Spruce.  [Cited 2025, Sept 8].   Available from:  How to Grow and Care for Coreopsis Lanceolata

Kim et al.. Coreolanceolins A–E, New Flavanones from the Flowers of Coreopsis lanceolate, and Their Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects. National Library of Medicine.  [Cited 2025 Sept 8]  Available from:   Coreolanceolins A–E, New Flavanones from the Flowers of Coreopsis lanceolate, and Their Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects - PMC 

Green Immune. The Medicinal Power of Lance-leaved Coreopsis: Nature's Golden Treasure.  [Cited 2025, Sept 8].   Available from:   The Medicinal Power of Lance-Leaved Coreopsis: Nature's Golden Treasure | Green Immune