Annuals, (10-)30-70(-150) cm. Leaves: proximal blades usually 1(-3)-pinnate, terminal lobes ovate-lanceolate to oblanceolate, 10-60 × 5-25 mm; cauline blades usually 1-3-pinnate, rarely simple, simple blades or terminal lobes linear-lanceolate to linear or filiform, 10-45 × 0.5-5 mm. Peduncles 1-15 cm; calycular bracts deltate-lanceolate, 1-3+ mm; phyllaries ± oblong-lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, 4-9 mm. Ray limbs usually yellow with red-brown blotch, sometimes red-brown in proximal 1/3-9/10 and distally yellow, rarely yellow throughout, 12-18+ mm. Disk corollas 2.5-3+ mm. Achenes 1.5-4 mm, wings absent or 0.1-0.7 mm wide; pappus absent, or of 1 or 2 cusps or subulate scales 0.1-1 mm. Fl. Jun-Aug. 2n = 24.

Coreopsis tinctoria is widely grown in public and residential gardens, is grown commercially (for cut flowers), and has become widely established in the Flora area.

Moist sandy or clay soils, sometimes alkaline flats, prairies, ditches, disturbed sites. Widely cultivated and naturalized in China [native to North America].