Coreopsis lanceolata

Pollinators are guided by relationships. They visit specific plants based on flower shape, color, bloom timing, and seasonal availability. Pollinator Matches explore these connections—how native plants offer food, shelter, and continuity across the growing season, and how even a single species can support a web of life through repeated, everyday visits.

Coreopsis lanceolata is an early and reliable native wildflower in the Southeast. Its open, pollen-rich blooms are easy for many insects to access, making it a strong first match to observe.

• Native bees, including sweat bees and small carpenter bees, gathering pollen
• Butterflies such as skippers and sulfurs visiting open blooms
• Day-flying moths and other small insects drawn to bright yellow flowers

Coreopsis is primarily a nectar and pollen source rather than a host plant, offering important early-season energy.

• Open flower form makes nectar and pollen easy to reach
• Long bloom window supports pollinators across the season
• Early flowering helps emerging insects find food
• Seed heads feed birds into fall and winter

Even after flowering, the plant continues to support wildlife. Hollow stems provide shelter for overwintering insects.

Pollinator activity changes with weather, time of day, and season. Some visits are brief. Others return again and again.

The relationship is the lesson.