Giant coreopsis is a woody perennial plant native to California and Baja California. Its stem is actually a tall, thick trunk, occasionally branching. Bright green leaves and flowers adorn the top of the trunk; the rest of the trunk is bare. The flowers are daisy-like and yellow,, attracting birds, butterflies, moths and other pollinators. Giant coreopsis is summer deciduous, leaving a bare trunk in summer. Its unusual form and generous flowering nature make this plant a welcome addition to gardens near the coast.
Giant Coreopsis is quite drought-adapted. Though not native to San Diego County, it is distributed on the South California central coast, north and central Southern California coast, the California Channel Islands, and further south on Guadalupe Island, Mexico. It’s becoming more common due to its use in revegetation projects.