With shiny green stems and ball-shaped brown buds, these airy plants are one of the major colormakers in any meadow in any region. The clusters of bi-colored golden flowers with mahogany centers literally “light up” a meadow, and have a long blooming season. They’re also great for cutting. This is a plains species, but is very widespread. It is called “calliopsis” in the South, where it is enjoyed right down into Florida. In fact, the coreopsis was recently designated as the official State Wildflower of Florida.