Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.

Erect, glabrous annual herb, up to c. 1 m tall. Stems sparingly branched above to form infl. Basal and lower cauline lvs 0 or few at flowering, opposite, short-petiolate, 1–2-pinnate, 5–10 cm long; leaflets linear to linear- lanceolate, 1–3–(10) mm wide; upper cauline lvs present, becoming smaller, and with narrower leaflets. Capitula 2.5–4 cm diam., solitary or in loose cymes, pedunculate. Outer involucral bracts green to brown with membranous margin, triangular to subulate, 2–3 mm long, much < 1/2 length of inner bracts; inner bracts with dark lined centre and membranous margins, ovate-triangular. Receptacular scales linear-lanceolate. Ray florets usually 7–9, yellow with reddish brown basal blotch. Disc florets numerous; corolla dark red, 4-toothed. Achenes not seen.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Mar.