Mt. Hamilton coreopsis facts for kids

Coreopsis hamiltonii, also known as the Mt. Hamilton coreopsis, is a special and rare wild plant. It's a type of tickseed flower, part of the big sunflower family. You can only find this plant in a small area of California, near Mount Hamilton and the Diablo Range.

What Does the Mt. Hamilton Coreopsis Look Like?

This plant usually grows about 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) tall. Sometimes it can grow even taller when its flowers are ready to bloom. Its leaves grow low to the ground and have a thin, fern-like shape. They are deeply cut, almost like delicate lace.

The Mt. Hamilton coreopsis produces bright, golden yellow flowers. These pretty flowers sit on stems called peduncles. These stems often have a reddish-purple color, adding to the plant's unique look.

Where Does This Rare Flower Grow?

The Mt. Hamilton coreopsis is very rare. It only grows in a small part of the southwestern San Francisco Bay Area in California. This includes areas around Mount Hamilton and the Diablo Range. You can find it in parts of Alameda, Santa Clara, and Stanislaus Counties.

This plant likes to grow at higher elevations. It can be found living between 600 and 1300 meters (about 2,000 to 4,300 feet) above sea level.

When Does It Bloom?

If you are lucky enough to see the Mt. Hamilton coreopsis, you will find it blooming in the spring. Its beautiful golden yellow flowers appear from March to May each year.