Leavenworth's Tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii)
Common Names and Latin Name
Tickseed and Leavenworth tickseed.
Coreopsis leavenworthii
Family
Leavenworth’s tickseed is in the Asteraceae, or aster, Family.
Form
Leavenworth’s tickseed is an annual wildflower that grows to a height of about 1 to 3 feet when in bloom.
Leaves
Opposite, entire, and simple. The leaves of the upper plant stems are linear to oblanceolate in shape.
The leaves become more abundant lower down the stem although it does not generally form a prominent rosette of leaves at the base like some other coreopsis do.
Flowers
Solid yellow flowers with a brownish center. The flowers appear all year but are most abundant during late spring and summer.
Habitat
Coreopsis leavenworthii is a commonly seen wildflower found growing in wet flatwoods, wet pinelands, disturbed sites, roadside ditches and fields.
Native Range
Endemic to Florida. Coreopsis leavenworthii is found from north Florida south throughout the Keys. It is native to Alabama and Florida.
Grows in zones 8 to 11.
Landscape Use
In the home landscape it grows in full sun with average to moist soils. It needs a good source of sunlight in order for it to produce flowers and keep the plants from becoming too leggy.
It does well along the edges of natural areas where it can create a splash of color along the boundary.
The best scenario is to plant it near a water source, or wet problem area such as a drainage ditch so that it won’t require any watering.
Wildlife Uses
The flowers are a source of nectar for many insects including bees, beetles, butterflies, flies, and wasps.
Propagation
Can be grown easily from seed. Seedlings and immature plants can be easily transplanted. Learn to identify it when it’s young and you can place them where you want them.
Since Leavenworth’s tickseed is an annual wildflower you have to be a little more careful about transplanting them. Make sure to keep as much soil as you can around the roots disturbing them as little as possible. Usually you can cut out a chunk of soil with the seedling within the clump. If the area is especially dry then take the time to water for a few days before you try to transplant them and the soil will stay together better. Be sure to cut off any flower stalks as well. Water until established.
