Ontario Native
Lance-leaved Coreopisis
Coreopsis lanceolata
Flower colour
Bright, sunny, yellow flowers with distinctively notched edges on the petals.
Bloom time
Late spring through early fall
Height
12-36"
Light
Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light). It can handle very light shade, but too much shade makes the stems weak and floppy.
Moisture
Average to dry. It is exceptionally drought-tolerant and actually prefers poor, sandy, or rocky soils over rich, heavy garden soil.
Native to Ontario
Yes
Ecological benefit
It is a high-value plant for native bees (including sweat bees and leafcutter bees) and attracts numerous butterflies and hoverflies. It serves as a larval host for several species of moths, including the Common Tan Wave. Because it can grow in poor, sandy soils where other plants struggle, it is excellent for stabilizing slopes and sandy banks.
Notes
The small, dark seeds are a favorite for songbirds, especially goldfinches, if the seed heads are left standing in the fall.