Plains coreopsis

Images

Click on image to view full size

Plains coreopsis

Plains coreopsis

Plains coreopsis heads

Plains coreopsis

Plains coreopsis leaf

Plains coreopsis

Plains coreopsis

Plains coreopsis

Plains coreopsis head

Plains coreopsis

Plains coreopsis

Plains coreopsis leaves

Plains coreopsis

Morphology

Stem

Erect, single, much-branched above, glabrous.

Leaves

Mostly opposite, nearly sessile or short-stalked, 2 to 4 inches long, 1-2 times pinnately divided; segments narrowly linear; upper leaves less divided.

Inflorescence

Heads, numerous, terminal, .5 to 1.5 inch wide; bracts in 2 series, outer bracts 6-9, narrowly lanceolate to triangular, 1/2 as long as inner bracts

Flower

Ray florets 6-10, somewhat wedge-shaped, to 1/2 inch long, yellow with reddish brown spot at bases; tips prominently 3-lobed; disk florets numerous, corollas 4-lobed, purplish brown.

Fruit

Achenes, linear, tiny, flattened, often wingless, black, usually without bristles or scales, enclosing small seed.

Ecology

Habitat

Damp disturbed sites, roadside ditches and low, sandy areas.

Distribution

Throughout Kansas.

Practical Information

Uses

Native Americans made a hot beverage from plains coreopsis, and early settlers placed plants in their mattresses because they believed they repelled fleas and bedbugs.

Additional Notes