Lanceleaf Coreopsis

Overview

Coreopsis lanceolata is native to the eastern and central parts of the United States and naturalized in Canada, the western United States, Mesoamerica, South America, South Africa, and eastern Asia. The genus name comes from the Greek words koris meaning "bug" and opsis meaning "like" in reference to the shape of the seed which resembles a bug or tick.

Vernacular Names

 Jian ye jin ji ju (Chinese).

Agroecology

Can be found in sandy soils, prairies, glades, fields, ditches and roadsides, other disturbed sites. Best naturalized in native wildflower gardens, rock gardens, meadows or prairies. Coreopsis lanceolata easily grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Thrives in poor, sandy or rocky soils with good drainage. Tends to sprawl, particularly if grown in moist and/or fertile soils. Crown rot may occur if grown in moist, poorly drained soils.Tolerant of heat, humidity and drought. 

Morphology

• Stem - erect, branching stems at base.
• Leaves - basal and cauline on proximal 1/4-1/3(-1/2) of plant height; petioles 1-5(-8) cm; blades simple or with 1 or 2+ lateral lobes, simple blades or terminal lobes ovate-lanceolate or lanceolate to oblanceolate or linear-lanceolate, 5-12 cm × 8-15(-18+) mm. Peduncles (8-)12-20(-35) cm; calycular bracts ovate-lanceolate to linear-lanceolate or linear, 4-8(-12) mm; phyllaries deltate to dentate-lanceolate, about 8-12 mm, opposite, sometimes alternate near the top where the leaves are fewer. Some of the leaves are deeply cut, almost forming 3 leaflets. Lower basal leaves are mostly entire, while smaller stem leaves may be pinnately lobed.
• Flower - ray limbs yellow, ray flowers are 4-lobed, 15-30 mm. Disk corollas 6-7.5 mm, apices yellow. Achenes 2.6-4 mm.
• Fruit - cypselae, commonly lacking pappus awns associated with tickseeds that adhere to fibers and skin. 
• Seed - resembles a bug or tick.

Cultivation

Generatively propagated by seed and vegetatively propagated by division of basal rosettes (clump division). In the fall, lift a clump from the outer edge of the plant and separate the rosette. Remove a few of the leaves to reduce moisture loss, replant, and water thoroughly.

Chemical Constituents

Polyacetylene glycoside, bidenoside C, (3S,4S)-5E-trideca-1,5-dien-7,9,11-triyne-3,4-diol-4-O-β-glucopyranoside, lanceoletin, 3,2'-dihydroxy-4-3'-dimethoxychalcone-4'-glucoside, 4-methoxylanceoletin, lanceolin, leptosidin, (2R)-8-methoxybutin, flavonoids (aurones, chalcones, flavones, flavanols, luteolin, and quercetin).

Traditional Medicinal Uses

• It has anticancer, anti-inflammation, anti-alergic, anti-oxidant, and antileukemic activities.
• It is used in the treatment of fever and diabetes.