Anacis tripteris Play pronunciation

Tall coreopsis is a very tall, native herbaceous perennial wildflower of eastern Canada and the Central and Southeastern United States. It is typically found in moist, rich woodlands, lowland forests, prairies, woodland margins, and in river scours. In North Carolina, this native plant may be found in the Mountains, Piedmont, and northern Coastal Plain. It can grow up to 7 to 10 feet tall, but usually grows 4 to 8 feet tall. This plant has smooth, erect stems that bear a solitary daisy-like flower consisting of a dense cluster of dark purple to maroon tubular disc florets, surrounded by 8 yellow petal rays with rounded tips. The flowers bloom in late summer into fall and have a mild anise scent. Its upper leaves are lance-shaped, green, and undivided, while its lower leaves are divided into 3 to 5 linear or oblong-lance-shaped segments. The specific epithet, tripteris, refers to the leaf's division into 3 narrow lance-shaped segments. It is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) and was formerly known as Coreopsis tripteris.

This rhizomatous plant prefers full sun and medium-moist, medium-dry, well-drained soil of most soil types. In drier soil, the plant is shorter and spindlier, but in moist, rich soil it grows taller and fuller. It can tolerate heat, humidity, poor soils, and drought. It will self-seed; therefore, deadheading is advised for plant control. It can naturalize into large colonies. Propagated by seeds or division.

Pollinators love this plant, and birds relish the seeds. Tall coreopsis is low-maintenance, hardy, easy to grow, and resistant to browsing by deer.  

Consider the tall coreopsis for naturalization in meadows or wildflower gardens. It can also be used as a back border planting.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Crown rot may occur if grown in moist, poorly drained soils. Taller plants may need staking. This plant can become aggressive due to self-seeding in disturbed, moist soils.