Coreopsis tinctoria
Origin: North America
Improvement status: Cultivar
Seeds per packet: ~80
Germination tested 10/2025: 86%
Life cycle: Annual
Sometimes called "calliopsis," this beautiful annual wildflower native to central and eastern North America has a long history of use as both dye and medicine (and apparently the dried plant can make some sort of coffee substitute as well). A tea made from the root can be used to induce vomiting, and is also used to treat diarrhea. The name comes from its ability to produce a rust or mahogany-colored dye. Dyer's coreopsis is beloved by many native pollinators and other insects.
This is a gorgeous red-flowered selection of coreopsis, absolutely loaded with red pigments for dyeing. Our seed comes from our friend Jennifer Williams of Wild Dreams Farm on Vashon Island, Washington.
GROWING TIPS: Sow seeds directly outside after last frost or in flats a couple weeks before. Surface sow seeds or cover with 1/16" of soil or growing medium. Space plants 12"-18" apart.
