Spotlight On: Columbia Coreopsis

Meet Columbia coreopsis, aka Coreopsis tinctoria var. atkinsoniana, aka Columbia tickseed!

Photo credit Thayne Tuason.

We have carried Plains coreopsis since the nursery opened, but we’re excited to add this hyperlocal variant to our inventory! It’s native to Clark County and eastern Washington, and it can be found throughout the Columbia Gorge area from northern Oregon through British Columbia. Since it’s so local, this species (unlike Plains) is on the Portland Plant List!

It often behaves as a biennial, so it grows glossy, divided leaves in its first year followed by prolific gold and brown flowers in its second year. While Plains coreopsis has yellow and brown petals, Columbia’s petals are all yellow. The flowers are so abundant and long-lasting that Columbia coreopsis is great for cut flower bouquets.

(Fun fact: the Latin name “tinctoria” hints at the plant’s historical usage for dying fibers! The flowers produce a soft orange dye.)

Coreopsis tinctoria var. atkinsoniana growing alongside the Columbia River in Douglas County. Photo credit Thayne Tuason.

Plant Columbia coreopsis in full sun in dry or moist (but well-drained) soil. This is a hardy plant that occurs naturally in disturbed sites, and it’s moderately deer- and drought-resistant. Combine those traits with its ability to self-seed, and you have the makings of a beautiful meadow habitat, visited by a variety of bees, beetles, wasps, and butterflies. Columbia coreopsis is also a host plant to many species of moths and butterflies.

(Another fun fact: the name “tickseed” doesn’t mean ticks love it! It refers to the way seeds from these plants tend to cling to clothing or fur.)

Plant Columbia coreopsis with:

• Blue flax (Linum lewisii)

• Farewell-to-spring (Clarkia amoena)

• Rose checkermallow (Sidalcea malviflora)

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)