Cinnamon Dyer's Coreopsis
Coreopsis tinctoria
Seeds per pack ~ 50
(Packed for 2025)
A gorgeous native to Eastern North America, Coreopsis tinctoria is easy to grow anywhere with full sun or partial shade. Even in poor soil each plant bears hundreds of ornate flowers in robust 2 to 3 foot tall and wide tufts. Indigenous people have dyed textiles yellow and red with these abundant blossoms for millennia, as well as enjoying the plant as both food and medicine.
An annual, Coreopsis tinctoria readily self-sows without becoming a nuisance. It is popular in ornamental gardens and native gardens as well as low-maintenance perennial beds, where it pleasantly pops up here and there. Though it is remarkably drought-tolerant, well-watered plants offer the most abundant blooms. We have heard that two dozen plants will yield enough blossoms to dye one pound of wool or silk. Fresh or dry flowers are equally effective as dye.
Cinnamon Dyer's Coreopsis, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and is commonly referred to as "Plains Coreopsis" or "Golden Tickseed." The plant is known for its vibrant and eye-catching appearance, making it a popular choice in gardens, landscapes, and wildflower meadows.
The Cinnamon Dyer's Coreopsis typically grows as an annual plant, although it can sometimes act as a short-lived perennial. It is characterized by its delicate, fern-like foliage and its abundant display of flowers. The flowers are daisy-like, with bright yellow to orange petals surrounding a darker brown or maroon center, giving them a striking appearance. These flowers bloom profusely from late spring through summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden.
One notable feature of Cinnamon Dyer's Coreopsis is its historical use as a natural dye plant. Indigenous peoples and early settlers in North America used the plant to create dyes for textiles, yielding various shades of yellow, gold, and brown. The plant's common name, "tinctoria," even refers to its historical use in dyeing.
In terms of cultivation, Cinnamon Dyer's Coreopsis is relatively low-maintenance and adaptable, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and other water-wise gardening practices. This plant self-seeds readily, which can lead to naturalization in suitable habitats.
Overall, Cinnamon Dyer's Coreopsis is valued for its beauty, ecological importance as a pollinator plant, and historical significance in traditional crafts such as natural dyeing. It continues to be a beloved choice for gardeners looking to add color and interest to their landscapes.
