Coreopsis, Genus,
- Genus
tickseed
Overview
Coreopsis is a genus of about 80 species of annual and perennial herbs in the family Asteraceae, native to the Americas, with most species in North America and a few in Central and South America. Plants form clumps or open mounds 8 to 48 inches (20 to 120 cm) tall, with stems carrying simple, lobed, or finely divided leaves that vary from threadlike to broad. The daisy-like heads have a central disc ringed by ray florets, most often yellow but also pink, red, orange, or bicolored in some species and many cultivars, with ray tips usually toothed. Flowers are borne over a long summer season on slender stalks above the foliage. The seeds are small and flattened, their shape and the two-pronged tip giving rise to the common name tickseed. C. lanceolata, C. grandiflora, and C. verticillata are grown as perennials, while C. tinctoria is an annual used in meadow mixes. Most species are short-lived but persist from self-sown seed. They grow on poor, dry soils and flower less in rich, moist ground.
Native Range
Native to the Americas, with the greatest concentration of species in North America, especially the southeastern and central United States, and a smaller number in Central and South America.Suggested Uses
Planted in borders, prairie and meadow plantings, wildflower mixes, and containers. The long flowering season suits cottage and pollinator gardens. Flowers are cut for small arrangements and are visited by bees and butterflies.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from early summer into autumn, generally June to September, and longer where spent heads are removed. Individual heads last about a week, with new ones opening in succession. In mild areas annual species can flower from late spring until frost.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow, also pink, red, orange, or bicoloredFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Coreopsis species grow in full sun on average to poor, well-drained soil and tolerate heat, drought, and sandy or rocky ground once established. Rich, moist, or shaded sites produce floppy growth and fewer flowers. Soil pH from 6.0 to 7.0 suits the genus. Perennial species are clump-forming and can be divided every two to three years to keep them vigorous. Removal of spent flowers extends bloom and limits self-seeding in the perennial kinds.Pruning
Shearing the whole plant back by about one-third after the first flush encourages a second wave of bloom. Removing spent heads through the season prolongs flowering. Cutting perennial species to the base in late autumn or spring clears old growth.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
6 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
After the last spring frost in warm soil
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Plant Spacing
18 inches
Related Coreopsis species
Moonbeam coreopsis, tickseedCoreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'
Limerock ruby coreopsisCoreopsis 'Limerock Ruby'
Tall coreopsisCoreopsis tripteris
Large-flowered tickseedCoreopsis verticillata 'Grandiflora'
Zagreb coreopsisCoreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb'
Early sunrise coreopsisCoreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise'