Coreopsis tripteris is a member of the Aster family (Asteraceae)

Habitats include black soil prairies, sand prairies, savannas and sandy savannas, thickets, abandoned fields, and along railroads and roadsides. It responds well to fire in areas where shrubby vegetation and trees are encroaching.

The flowers attract many bee species, particularly bumblebees. Other insects that occasionally visit the flowers include wasps, bee flies and other flies, butterflies, skippers, and the Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus). The caterpillars of some moths feed on the foliage.

Mammalian herbivores occasionally eat this plant, especially the tender growth of young plants earlier in the year.

 

 Photo by D.Aulenback