SafePlants

Giant Coreopsis (Coreopsis gigantea)

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The plant has a woody trunk.
• It can grow up to 8 feet tall.
• It is sometimes referred to as "Dr. Seuss plants."

Common and Scientific Names

• Scientific Name: Coreopsis gigantea
• Common Name: Giant Coreopsis, Giant Sea Dahlia, Giant Tickseed, Tree Coreopsis

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
• Synonym: Leptosyne gigantea Kellogg
• Coreopsis gigantea (Kellogg ) H.M. Hall

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to coastal regions of central and southern California and Baja California.
• Specifically found on coastal bluffs from Leo Carrillo State Park to Point Mugu State Park.
• Common in the Santa Monica Mountains northwestward into Central California, near the coast.
• Found on the California Channel Islands, including Anacapa Island.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Woody, trunked herbaceous summer-deciduous subshrub/perennial.
• Grows to 3 to 6 feet tall (but can reach 8 feet).
• Stout trunk can be 2 to 5 inches thick.
• Erect, shrubby, glabrous (smooth) with few branches.
• Bright-green, finely cut, ferny leaves.
• Produces 3-inch yellow daisy-like flowers.
• Drought deciduous, losing its leaves during the summer.

Ecological Role

• A dominant perennial shrub in coastal communities on the California Channel Islands.

Quirky Facts

• Has been described as resembling a small tropical tree or "Dr. Seuss plants."
• The plant loses its leaves during the summer months to limit water loss.

Additional Information

• Tolerant of a variety of soil types.
• Hardy to zone (UK) 8.
• Flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs).
• Dave's Garden is referenced as a source for garden tips and ideas.