•Status in Florida: Native
•Size at Maturity: Varies depending on species and cultivar. Typically ranges from 1 to 3 feet in height and spreads up to 2 feet.
•Phenology: Tickseed encompasses several species within the Coreopsis genus, including both annual and perennial varieties. They are characterized by their bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red.
•Life Cycle: Annual or perennial, depending on the species and cultivar.
•Bloom Season: Tickseed typically blooms from spring to fall, with peak flowering occurring in late spring to early summer.
•Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Deciduous
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Texture: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range of soil pH levels, but generally prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0-7.0)
•Moisture Requirements: Moderate moisture; drought-tolerant once established
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low tolerance
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Tickseed is versatile and suitable for various landscape applications, including borders, mass plantings, and wildflower gardens. It adds vibrant color and attracts pollinators to the garden.
•Maintenance Tips: Tickseed is relatively low-maintenance and requires little pruning. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage prolonged blooming and prevent self-seeding in some varieties. Perennial varieties may benefit from division every few years to rejuvenate growth.
•Considerations: Some species of Tickseed can self-seed readily and may become aggressive in the garden. Consider planting non-invasive cultivars or be prepared to manage self-seeding if necessary.
•Edible: Tickseed is not commonly consumed as a food source.
•Medicinal Uses: Tickseed has limited documented medicinal uses, but some Native American tribes used certain species for medicinal purposes, including treating skin ailments and fevers.
•Toxicity to Pets: Tickseed is not known to be toxic to pets.
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Tickseed pairs well with other native wildflowers and grasses, such as blanketflower (Gaillardia pulchella) and muhly grass (Muhlenbergia spp.).
•Wildlife Benefit: Tickseed flowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, contributing to overall garden biodiversity.