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Coreopsis gigantea - 'Giant Coreopsis,' 'Giant Sea Dahlia,' 'Island Tree Sunflower,' Leptosyne gigantea. - Native to seacoasts and blufftops in Southern California, the Channel Islands, and Baja California, this is an excellent plant for seaside conditions, but also succeeds many miles inland as well. Very unlike other species of Coreopsis, this species has a massive succulent single trunk up to 6" thick and grows to the nearly treelike height of 10' tall. In early spring, the dormant plant bursts forth with lacy leaves and a very nice show of 3" wide sunflowers. It is very distinctive.

Giant Coreopsis is hardy to light frosts, and is best grown in well drained soil in a sunny spot. It is capable of living with no summer water in warm summer climates, but an occasional summer sprinkle will improve the plant's overall appearance during dormancy, as does removing the dead leaves that form under the green growing part.