Tall Coreopsis - Coreopsis tripteris

Coreopsis tripteris, also known as Tall Coreopsis, is a perennial wildflower native to much of Southern Michigan and naturalized into several counties in the UP. 

Tall Coreopsis reaches 7 feet tall and flowers from July to October with yellow blossom.  The center darkens from yellow to a reddish brown, reminiscent of Black-eyed Susan, although the outer petals are a lighter yellow and more delicate. This stately prairie plant waves gracefully in the breeze when planted in a loose colony.

It is not fussy, and will grow in full sun to partial shade, medium-dry to medium-wet soil and will grow in muck, clay, loam or sand. Drought tolerant when established. It is a healthy spreader in disturbed moist soils and tolerates competition. Heavily favored by a variety of bees and used by butterflies, moths, and other pollinators. It is the host plant for several types of moth, including the Wavey Line Emerald, Synchlora aerata.  This pretty green moth has caterpillars that camouflage themselves with bits of their host flower and end up looking like flowers themselves (third picture). Great as a garden accent, along fences, or in a taller prairie or meadow. Pairs well with Big Bluestem, Indian Grass, Pale Purple Coneflower, Prairie Dock, and Tall Sunflower.