Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - November 28, 2015
From: Bristol, TN
Region: Southeast
Topic: Propagation, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Choosing the right Coreopsis species for Tennessee
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I live in Bristol Tennessee and have replaced most of my lawn with native plants. I have been trying to learn more about the Coreopsis genus. In TN, we have C. auriculata, grandiflora, lanceolata, major, pubescens, and tripteris (+ more that are not available at nurseries). When researching C. grandiflora & pubescens, I keep coming across references that say they are short-lived and should be allowed to re-seed to maintain their presence. But they are also described as freely self-seeding, sometimes to the point of being weedy. So far, I have only planted C. lanceolata, and I have been disappointed that although it comes up, it is pretty much gone after a few years. Is this is a general trait of coreopsis? Should I buy ones even if they are labeled as aggressive re-seeders? Is there a difference in how aggressive these different species are, such that I should be careful which ones I plant? I get a little scared when I see the words "may become weedy." But on the other hand, my experience with C. lanceolata indicates that I am better off going with the ones labeled "weedy."ANSWER:
A good reference on Coreopsis species is found on Wikipedia. It includes some descriptions of some Coreopsis species being invasive. For example, Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf coreopsis) is highly invasive in Japan. It is not unusual for plants introduced into a location where they are not native to overwhelm the native flora. This happens for poorly understood reasons, such as the absence of an insect that controls the plant in its native environment.
I do not think you will have a problem of weediness if you choose Coreopsis spcies that are native to your area. You can find this information on our Native Plant Database. You will also find propagation tips for the individual species. Some, e.g., Coreopsis lancelolata, are perennials which are easilly propagated by dividing clumps. Others, like Coreopsis tinctoria (Plains coreopsis), are annuals growing from scattered seeds. My advice would be to try several Coreopsis species that you like and see which ones flourish.
From the Image Gallery
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Plant identification
September 09, 2011 - In North Central Texas recommended plants, there are three coneflowers listed:
Echinacea angustifolia-Black sampson
E. purpurea-Purple coneflower
E. purpurea-Eastern purple coneflower
Is the Eas...
view the full question and answer
Native plants for southwest exposure in Tulsa OK
April 24, 2008 - I want to plant something in a bed on the South side of my house with some Western exposure. The space is in a bed that would share space with a Red Tip Photinia (next to the house)& liriope( on the ...
view the full question and answer
Deer resistant plants for Trinity, TX
March 23, 2013 - I need a list of deer resistant flowers, herbs and plants that would could be planted in Trinity, Texas.
view the full question and answer
Xeriscaping in clay on a slope in Fort Worth
April 06, 2006 - Xeriscaping in clay (Fort Worth) on a slope --
Please offer suggestions and publications.
Thanks
view the full question and answer
Perennials for flowerbed in Texas Panhandle
October 19, 2012 - I have a flowerbed in a partially shaded area and want some perennials. I live in the Texas Panhandle, soil is sandy, loamy. Hardiness zone is 6-B.
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |