Family: Asteraceae

Coreopsis lanceolata, commonly known as garden coreopsis or lanceleaf tickseed, is a cheerful, bright yellow flowering plant native to the eastern and central United States. This hardy perennial grows up to 2–3 feet tall with slender, lance-shaped leaves and daisy-like blooms that appear from late spring to summer. Its long-lasting flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens, meadows, and naturalized landscapes. Garden coreopsis is also valued for its low maintenance, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in a variety of soil types.

Although Coreopsis lanceolata is currently only potentially naturalizing on Kaua‘i and found in cultivation on O‘ahu, it is naturalized on Lana‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i. It possesses traits that are cause for concern, such as prolific seed production and adaptability, which could allow it to spread beyond cultivated areas and harm tropical island ecosystems by outcompeting native plants. For this reason, it is recommended to choose a low-risk or native alternative to help protect Hawaii’s unique natural habitats.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability (Can grow in >5 hardiness zones)
  
• Widely naturalized
  
• An agricultural and environmental weed
  
• Other Coreopsis species have become invasive
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions
  
• Seeds freely
  
• Capable of vegetative reproduction through vigorous rhizomatous growth
  
• Capable to reach maturity in one growing season
  
• Seeds dispersed intentionally by people, by wind, water movement, and in soil
  
• Tolerates cutting and mechanical damage

Low Risk Traits:

• A temperate to marginally subtropical species (may only be invasive at higher elevation in tropics)
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Palatable to goats
  
• Not reported to be toxic
  
• Requires full sun
  
• Self-incompatible
  
• Used as an ornamental and to attract and benefit pollinators
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control