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Coreopsis spp.Tickseed, Coreopsis

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

Introduction

Seven species of coreopsis are native to the state of Florida. One species, Coreopsis leavenworthii, has been named Florida's state flower. Coreopsis are considered perennials as they reappear each year. These colorful plants have bright green leaves that can be either entire or lobed. These plants have single or double flowers that come in a variety of colors: orange, pink, purple, red, and yellow. These lovely flowers are held upright upon tall leafless stems that enable the blooms to be beautifully incorporated into flower arrangements. The flowers are borne in capitula with a small disc and the ray florets have dentate tips. These 1½ to 2inchwide flowers appear in the spring, summer, and fall.

Full form - Coreopsis spp.: Tickseed, Coreopsis
Figure 1. Full form - Coreopsis spp.: Tickseed, Coreopsis
Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS

 

Flower - Coreopsis spp.: Tickseed, Coreopsis
Figure 2. Flower - Coreopsis spp.: Tickseed, Coreopsis
Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS

General Information

Scientific name: Coreopsis spp.

Pronunciation: kor-ree-OP-sis species

Common name(s): tickseed, coreopsis

Family: Asteraceae

Plant type: herbaceous; annual

USDA hardiness zones: 4 through 10 (Figure 3)

Planting month for zone 7: May; Jun

Planting month for zone 8: Apr; May

Planting month for zone 9: Apr; May; Jun; Jul; Aug; Sep

Planting month for zone 10 and 11: Mar; Apr

Origin: native to Florida

Invasive potential: may self-seed each year

Uses: edging; mass planting; attracts butterflies

Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant

Shaded area represents potential planting range.
Figure 3. Shaded area represents potential planting range.
Credit:

Description

Height: 1 to 3 feet

Spread: 1 to 3 feet

Plant habit: upright

Plant density: open

Growth rate: moderate

Texture: fine

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite

Leaf type: simple

Leaf margin: lobed

Leaf shape: oblong

Leaf venation: not applicable

Leaf type and persistence: deciduous

Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches

Leaf color: green

Fall color: not applicable

Fall characteristic: not applicable

Flower

Flower color: red; pink; purple; orange; yellow

Flower characteristic: spring flowering; summer flowering; fall flowering

Fruit

Fruit shape: no fruit

Fruit length: no fruit

Fruit cover: no fruit

Fruit color: not applicable

Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: not applicable

Current year stem/twig color: green

Current year stem/twig thickness: thin

Culture

Light requirement: plant grows in full sun

Soil tolerances: acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay

Drought tolerance: high

Soil salt tolerances: unknown

Plant spacing: 6 to 12 inches

Other

Roots: not applicable

Winter interest: not applicable

Outstanding plant: not particularly outstanding

Pest resistance: no serious pests are normally seen on the plant

Use and Management

Coreopsis species are generally short-lived and may only last 3 to 4 seasons. Try using these plants as a border or edge. They are also excellent for naturalizing and will reseed themselves. The stalks become long and weak and tend to break in windy or rainy weather. Dwarf varieties may be selected for more polished plants. C. lanceolata grows about 15 to 18 inches tall but is not well suited for central and south Florida.

Coreopsis requires a sunny position in the landscape. They prefer well-drained soils that are not too rich; rich soils and overwatering cause these plants to topple over. Keep the soil relatively moist and remove dead flowers immediately to prolong blooming. Taller species of coreopsis may need support. Place these plants 6 to 12 inches apart in the garden.

The cultivar 'Early Sunrise' flowers sooner than others.

Seed is the most common method of propagation for coreopsis. Division can also be accomplished in the spring or fall.

Pests and Diseases

Leaf spots, rust, powdery mildew, aphids, leaf beetles, and mites may be occasional problems. Spotted cucumber beetles eat holes in the leaves.

Leaf spots may be seen but are usually not serious.

Publication #FPS143

Release Date:October 9, 2023

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About this Publication

This document is FPS143, one of a series of the Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 1999. Revised October 2023. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Edward F. Gilman, professor emeritus, Department of Environmental Horticulture; Teresa Howe, former coordinator, research programs and services, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center; Ryan W. Klein, assistant professor, arboriculture, and Gail Hansen, professor, sustainable landscape design, Department of Environmental Horticulture; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Contacts

  • Gail Hansen de Chapman