Coreopsis (Tickseed) plant photo (Coreopsis spp.)
Photo: Laura Clark · CC BY 4.0
perennial
Updated May 2026·North and Central America prairies

Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Coreopsis spp.

Native American tribes used Coreopsis tinctoria to dye buckskins red and yellow — the colour is so colorfast it survived for centuries on museum-preserved artifacts.

USDA Zones
4-9
Sun
full sun
Water
low
Mature Size
1-3 ft tall, 12-24 in wide
Growth Rate
fast
Family
Asteraceae
Care guide

How to care for coreopsis (tickseed)

Shear back by half after the first bloom flush in early summer for an immediate second flush. Drought-tolerant once established. Some cultivars are short-lived; choose 'Moonbeam' or 'Zagreb' for 5+ year longevity.

Garden uses & design ideas

Best garden use

Place it in repeatable drifts through borders so the color and texture carry the eye instead of appearing as a one-off plant.

Pair it with

Echinacea, Black-eyed Susan, Russian sage make easy companion choices because they share similar light, water, or visual texture needs.

Layout tip

Match it with full sun exposure, group it with other low-water plants so one irrigation zone can stay lean, and check USDA zones 4-9 before planting. Use the garden planner to test spacing around its mature size: 1-3 ft tall, 12-24 in wide.

Gardener note — Double-check local invasive, edible, and toxicity guidance with your county extension office before planting around pets, children, or natural areas.

Companion plants

Coreopsis (Tickseed) grows well alongside these — similar light, water, and texture needs.

Common pests & problems

essentially pest-free; deer-resistant

Where it grows best

Native to North and Central America prairies; thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

Frequently asked about coreopsis (tickseed)

What USDA zones does Coreopsis (Tickseed) grow in?+

Coreopsis (Tickseed) is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. Outside these zones, it can usually be grown indoors or as a seasonal annual.

How much sun does Coreopsis (Tickseed) need?+

Coreopsis (Tickseed) prefers full sun. Place it where it gets that light most of the day for best growth and flowering.

How often should I water Coreopsis (Tickseed)?+

Coreopsis (Tickseed) has low water needs. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. Shear back by half after the first bloom flush in early summer for an immediate second flush. Drought-tolerant once established. Some cultivars are short-lived; choose 'Moonbeam' or 'Zagreb' for 5+ year longevity.

How big does Coreopsis (Tickseed) get?+

Coreopsis (Tickseed) reaches a mature size of 1-3 ft tall, 12-24 in wide. Growth rate is fast, so plan spacing accordingly when planting.

What plants grow well with Coreopsis (Tickseed)?+

Coreopsis (Tickseed) pairs well with Echinacea, Black-eyed Susan, Russian sage, Sedum. These companions share similar care requirements and don't compete aggressively for resources.

What pests affect Coreopsis (Tickseed)?+

Common Coreopsis (Tickseed) problems include essentially pest-free; deer-resistant. Catching early signs in routine inspection prevents most damage.

When does Coreopsis (Tickseed) bloom?+

Coreopsis (Tickseed) blooms in early summer to first frost in yellow, orange, red, pink, bicolour. Deadheading spent flowers (where applicable) often encourages a longer bloom window.

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