The Coreopsis lanceolata is a native wildflower the state of Florida has adapted to represent their state as their flower. It is an evergreen in the family of coreopsis species commonly found in Florida. It predominately grows in the northern parts of the state yet also has been noted to grow in the southern Lake County. The citizens of the state have planted the seeds along the roads to increase the natural population showing the spectacular beauty and grace.
The foliage of the plant is green in color with the leaves more concentrated at the base creating the appearance of a clumped plant. The plants grow six to eight inches tall in clumps used in the natural settings as well as added to gardens increasing the number of plants within the state. The plant is directly associated with increasing the ecological factors within in the regions in any location it inhabits.
The Coreopsis lanceolata has flowers that are yellow growing approximately one inch at the diameter. The flowers appear in the late spring. Many plant seeds in the previous winter months to ensure the springtime flowering while other people plant the seeds in the early spring to create the flowering later in the year. The plant will rebloom with flowers if the dying flowers are removed to increase the number of times during the year for the brilliant floral display.
The Coreopsis lanceolata grows best in full sun exposure with moist to well drained soil. The matured plants are more tolerant of the types of soil and sun exposure producing the flowers in the drier periods of the year. The plants do not tolerate too much water and thrives better with less water. Fertilizer is only used in a low concentration that is time released but in general is not needed for the plant. The garden variety of the Coreopsis lanceolata has been documented to tolerate frosts or freezing conditions to the mid 20's making this plant a hardy plant.
The plant is disease and insect free but occasionally the "stink bug" has been noted to create damage to the plants. This is due to the dying flower being consumed by the stinkbug. In the late fall or early wintertime, some plants occasionally will have a disease. Even with the exposure to the disease, the plants are relatively safe due to the reseeding naturally performed prior to the diseases attacking the plants.
The Coreopsis lanceolata propagates by seeds or dividing the plants. This method happens naturally or assisted. The seeds are collected after ripening since the seed heads naturally open and scatter in the wind. When the seed heads dry, they become brittle and crack dispelling the seeds into nature. The seeds can be stored in dry location for later distribution or planting. Allow the seeds to dry on a clean moisture free newspaper in sorted in a thin layer. Store the seeds in a paper bag in a cool place.
To plant the seeds in a garden, scatter the seeds in the late fall through January. When planting the seeds into the ground, do not plant the seeds deeper than 1/8 inch into the soil.
