Greater tickseed (Coreopsis major)

Greater tickseed

Features and Characteristics

Coreopsis major features large, daisy-like flowers (2″ diameter) with bright yellow rays and yellow (infrequently with a reddish tinge) center disks. Untoothed ray flowers are pointed at the tips. Flowers appear in loose clusters from late spring to late summer on erect, branching-at-the-top stems typically rising 2-3′ (less frequently to 4′) tall. Opposite, tripartite, sessile lower mid-stem leaves are paired along the stems giving the appearance of being in whorls of 6 leaves. Smaller upper leaves are entire. This plant is commonly called greater tickseed or greater coreopsis in recognition of its large (for coreopsis) flowers and tall stems. A somewhat common wildflower native to fields, open woodlands, thickets and roadsides in the mid-eastern to southeastern U.S.

The genus name comes from the Greek words koris meaning “bug” and opsis meaning “like” in reference to the shape of the seed which resembles a bug or tick.

Specific epithet means bigger or larger.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Thrives in poor, sandy or rocky soils with good drainage. Tolerant of heat, humidity and drought. Prompt deadheading of spent flower stalks encourages additional bloom and prevents any unwanted self-seeding. Spreads by stolons and self-seeding and will naturalize over time, but is not considered to be invasive. Plants may be cut back hard in summer if foliage sprawls or becomes unkempt. If grown in borders, division may be needed every 2-3 years to maintain robustness.

Greater tickseed (Coreopsis major) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 9
Sun light	Full sun
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Tends to sprawl, particularly if grown in moist and/or fertile soils. Crown rot may occur if grown in moist, poorly drained soils.

Uses

Best naturalized in native wildflower gardens, meadows or prairies. Good plant for areas with poor, dry soils. Effective in borders, but self-seeding tendencies must be kept in check.

Greater tickseed (Coreopsis major) Details

Common name	Greater tickseed
Botanical name	Coreopsis major
Plant type	Herbaceous perennial
Family	Asteraceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 9
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Yellow
Flowering period	June - July
Height	2 - 3 ft.
Width	1 - 2 ft.