I always think it’s interesting that the beautiful genus of Coreopsis is commonly referred to as tickseed. Frankly, it unnerves me although I know it is only because the seeds are so small thus resembling seed ticks. Coreopsis tinctoria is an annual and grows in ditches throughout Oklahoma and much of the U.S. especially the south. It also grows as a volunteer in my garden, and I like the sunny discs with their red centers. I also enjoy their delicate foliage. This little plant is a pretty addition to the front of the border or in a meadow setting. Coreopsis tinctoria goes by many common names like calliopsis, golden coreopsis, annual coreopsis, and plains coreopsis. It is part of the Asteraceae/Compositae (aster or daisy family), and, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database has “. . . daisy-like flower heads with yellow rays surrounding a reddish-purple central disk. The yellow petals are notch-tipped. Flower heads occur on long stalks from the multi-branching stems.”
I couldn’t have said it better.
Coreopsis tinctoria is very easy to grow from seed and is often found in Oklahoma/Texas wildflower mixes. If you like the red/maroon centers best, Annie’s Annuals sells a variety called Coreopsis tinctoria ‘Mahogany’ “Calliopsis”. If deadheaded, Coreopsis tinctoria will often bloom from June through September in our part of the country. However, if you want it to spread, let some seed form before autumn.
Like most prairie wildflowers, it is extremely drought tolerant and doesn’t require any fertilization. Plant seeds in well-drained sandy soil for best results.
Many thanks to Gail at Clay and Limestone for making Wildflower Wednesday possible. It’s a great meme.
It’s so funny you wrote about this…I found a tiny piece of this in my grass just before I read your article. I thought it was so cute I dug it up and put it in my garden. Then forgot about it until I read this. I went out and it had quit blooming but had some seed heads. I picked them off and spread them around. I have high hopes of seeing them again next year in the garden. Thanks for the name. It creeps me out too everytime I hear tickseed.
Hey Laurie, that was fortuitous wasn’t it?~~Dee
Wildflowers are wild and wonderful as you have beautifully shown, Dee. My garden, especially in spring, would be very boring without them.
Joey, I think we need a mix of flowers and leaf shapes to make the gardening interesting don’t you?~~Dee
We’ve sometimes grown it in seed mixes but it never comes back. Sounds like it likes it better in the South.
Kathy, it is a western wildflower, and yest, it does like warmer climates.~~Dee
One of my faves too. I direct sowed mine last fall and it came up without me ever watering it. Now that’s easy!
I know, Monica, isn’t it the cutest?~~Dee
I don’t remember seeing this one around here. It must be a more western wildflower. It is a beauty.
This is a wonderful little plant to have in the garden. I just smile every time I see them. I had a rather large patch attacked by a little silver beetle this spring…I didn’t think anything bothered it…very sad. 🙁
I really like that one!
Such a sweet, bright, little being. 🙂 I’d be delighted to have it volunteer in my garden, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen it hereabouts
I enjoyed this post, Dee, and I’m loving your new blog design. It seems easier for me to read and to see your categories and such for navigation. Nicely done.
Very cute. I tend to forget about the native annual wildflowers.
What happy flowers. I’d love to have them in my garden.