Bigelow's Coreopsis
Leptosyne bigelovii (formerly known as Coreopsis bigelovii)
Bigelow’s Coreopsis is a bold, golden wildflower that lights up desert landscapes in early spring. With its bright yellow blooms and finely divided leaves, it’s one of the most cheerful flowers in a good desert bloom year.
Appearance:
An annual wildflower, typically 6 to 18 inches tall. It has slender, fern-like leaves and long, leafless stems topped with daisy-like yellow flowers. The flower heads are large compared to the plant’s height, giving it a top-heavy, dancing-in-the-breeze look.
Habitat:
Grows in sandy or gravelly soils, desert flats, washes, and rocky slopes. Found mostly in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts of California, Arizona, and Nevada.
Bloom Time:
Usually blooms from February to April, depending on rainfall.
Pollinators:
Attracts native bees, butterflies, and beetles. Its bright color and open flower shape make it an easy target for spring pollinators.
Note:
Bigelow’s Coreopsis often grows in large patches, especially after good rains, creating golden carpets across the desert floor. It pairs beautifully with other spring bloomers like Desert Sand Verbena and Mojave Lupine.
Mojave Lupine