Family: Asteraceae

Coreopsis tinctoria, commonly known as golden tickseed or plains coreopsis, is an annual flowering plant native to North America. It is prized for its bright yellow to golden flowers often marked with red or brown centers, making it a popular choice for gardens, wildflower meadows, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. This plant is relatively easy to grow from seed, tolerates a range of soils, and attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Traditionally, some Native American communities also used the flowers for natural dyes, giving rise to the species’ name, tinctoria, meaning “used for dyeing.”

Although Coreopsis tinctoria is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaii, it possesses traits—such as prolific seed production and adaptability to disturbed areas—that could allow it to spread quickly in tropical island ecosystems. If introduced, it has the potential to outcompete native plants and disrupt local habitats. For these reasons, caution is recommended, and planting this species is not advised in sensitive areas. Gardeners in Hawaii are encouraged to consider low-risk or native alternatives that support pollinators and landscapes without posing a threat to native biodiversity.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability (Can grow in >5 hardiness zones)
  
• Widely naturalized
  
• A garden and disturbance weed
  
• Other Coreopsis species have become invasive
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions
  
• Can from dense stands that may potentially exclude other vegetation
  
• Seeds freely
  
• Hybridizes with other Coreopsis species
  
• Annual – able to reach maturity in one growing season
  
• Seeds dispersed intentionally by people, by water movement, and possibly in soil
  
• Prolific seed production (>1000 seeds/m2 in certain situations)

Low Risk Traits:

• A temperate species (may only be invasive at higher elevation in tropics)
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Palatable to grazing animals
  
• 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