Desert Coreopsis
Coreopsis bigelovii
Sheets of golden yellow wildflowers transform the desert floor in early spring, attracting butterflies by the dozen.
A cool-season annual in USDA zones 9-11; fall-sown for early-spring bloom in the low desert, it completes its cycle before summer heat and relies on reseeding to return.
AMWUA Notes
A low-water spring wildflower that carpets bare ground in gold from a single fall sowing.
Care Guide
Water every 1-2 weeks through the cool growing season; winter rains often supply most of what it needs, and it dislikes soggy soil.
No real pruning — as a spring annual it simply finishes and dries after bloom; leave seed heads to reseed before pulling the spent plants.
None needed; lean desert soil produces the best flower display.
Trouble-free.
A cool-season desert annual; sow seed in fall for a golden early-spring display, then let it dry and reseed as temperatures climb.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Lean, sandy or gravelly, well-drained desert soils; poor soil yields the best bloom.
Needs well-drained soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
Seed; broadcast-sow in fall (cool-season) and let it dry and reseed.
1.5 ft
Minimal; a shallow-rooted spring annual that relies on reseeding to return.
Placement Tips
- •Broadcast-sow across open ground in fall for a sheet of golden spring color.
- •Mass with other spring wildflowers for a layered bloom rather than isolated plants.
- •Let it dry and drop seed before cleanup to guarantee next spring's show.
- •Full sun; a classic component of a low-desert spring wildflower mix.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Desert Coreopsis. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Desert Coreopsis — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Desert Coreopsis need in Phoenix?
Desert Coreopsis is a moderate-water annual once established. Water every 1-2 weeks through the cool growing season; winter rains often supply most of what it needs, and it dislikes soggy soil. A low-water spring wildflower that carpets bare ground in gold from a single fall sowing.
How big does Desert Coreopsis get?
Expect roughly 1.5 ft tall and 1.5 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 1.5 ft of spacing when planting. Minimal; a shallow-rooted spring annual that relies on reseeding to return.
Can you plant Desert Coreopsis near a pool?
Yes. Desert Coreopsis is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Desert Coreopsis handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Desert Coreopsis is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. A cool-season annual in USDA zones 9-11; fall-sown for early-spring bloom in the low desert, it completes its cycle before summer heat and relies on reseeding to return. A cool-season desert annual; sow seed in fall for a golden early-spring display, then let it dry and reseed as temperatures climb.
Does Desert Coreopsis have thorns?
No. Desert Coreopsis is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Desert Coreopsis safe around pets?
Desert Coreopsis is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Desert Coreopsis bloom in Arizona?
Desert Coreopsis blooms in early spring-summer, with golden yellow flowers. The bloom draws butterflies.
How much maintenance does Desert Coreopsis need?
Desert Coreopsis is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. No real pruning — as a spring annual it simply finishes and dries after bloom; leave seed heads to reseed before pulling the spent plants.
What kind of soil does Desert Coreopsis need?
Lean, sandy or gravelly, well-drained desert soils; poor soil yields the best bloom. It needs no supplemental feeding. None needed; lean desert soil produces the best flower display.
Is Desert Coreopsis native to Arizona?
No. Desert Coreopsis is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Southern California, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.