Leptosyne gigantea, known by the common name giant coreopsis, is a woody perennial plant native to coastal regions of central and southern California and also to northern Baja California.

Description

The stem of Leptosyne gigantea is a trunk up to tall, and in diameter. The plant can reach high by wide. It is summer deciduous, leaving a sculptural bare trunk and branches during the dry season.

Bright green leaves and flowers are on the top of the trunk, while the rest of the trunk is bare. The leaves are up to long. Storing water in this way makes the plants tolerant of drought but especially susceptible to frost.

Cultivation

Giant Coreopsis is cultivated as an ornamental plant by specialty nurseries.

References

  • UC— Jepson eFlora treatment for Leptosyne gigantea
  • Leptosyne gigantea (Coreopsis gigantea) — Calphotos Photo gallery, University of California
  • San Francisco Chronicle: "Coreopsis is supersize on the Channel Islands" — Sullivan, R. & J. Eaton; October 8, 2008.