Tickseed (Coreopsis Pubescens)

Tickseed

Features and Characteristics

Coreopsis pubescens, commonly called star tickseed or downy tickseed, is native to rocky open woods, bluff bases, valleys, gravelly stream beds, rocky ledges along streams, alluvial thickets and railroad right-of-ways from Florida to Texas north to Virginia, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. It typically grows in a clump to 3-4′ tall on slender downy stems clad with ovate-lanceolate leaves which are sometimes lobed at the base. Daisy-like single flowers (2″ diameter) with star-like involucre bracts feature yellow rays (lobed or notched at the tips) surrounding a darker golden yellow center disk. Flowers typically bloom from late spring to late summer and sometimes into fall, though bloom period can be much shorter if spent flowers are not regularly deadheaded.

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 from Latin means hairy in reference to the pubescent leaves and stems.

Common name of star tickseed is in reference to the star-shaped involucre bracts and resemblance of the seeds to ticks.

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. Plants are somewhat short-lived and self-seeding helps perpetuate a good planting in the garden. Plants may be cut back hard in summer if foliage sprawls or becomes unkempt. When grown in borders or other formal garden areas, division may be needed every 2-3 years to maintain robustness.

Tickseed (Coreopsis Pubescens) Requirements

Hardiness zone	6 - 9
Sun light	Full Sun
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Crown rot may occur if grown in moist, poorly drained soils.

Compact plants are less likely to sprawl than taller varieties of coreopsis.

Uses

Borders. Also effective in naturalized areas, meadows, prairies or cottage gardens. Good plant for areas with poor, dry soils.

Tickseed (Coreopsis Pubescens) Details

Common name	Tickseed
Botanical name	Coreopsis Pubescens
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Asteraceae
Hardiness zone	6 - 9
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Yellow Rays And Darker Yellow Center
Flowering period	June - September
Height	2 - 4 Ft.
Width	1.50 To 2.50 Feet