perennialN. America Native

Star Tickseed

The Story

Plant Bio

Coreopsis pubescens is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to North American woodlands and savannas, reaching one to three feet in height. Its branching stems and oval leaves are covered in fine, downy hairs, bearing bright golden-yellow daisy-like flowers with distinctively toothed petal tips from summer into fall.

Unlike smooth-leaved tickseeds, the densely pubescent foliage of this species provides distinct texture and improved resilience in hot, humid summer climates. The flower heads measure nearly two inches across and produce nectar that attracts native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces bright golden-yellow flower heads with attractive toothed petals throughout summer.

Thrives in dry, poor soils where other perennials struggle.

Provides nectar for native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun or light partial shade with sharp soil drainage.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide, refilling with native lean soil without added fertilizers.
Place the plant so the top of the root crown is level with the surrounding soil grade.
Water thoroughly at planting, then allow soil to dry between waterings once established.

Pro Tip

Plant in lean, sharp-draining soil without fertilizer, as rich organic matter and excess moisture cause stems to flop and encourage root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils.
Trim back stems in late spring to encourage bushier growth.
Deadhead spent blossoms to prolong flowering.

Don't

Do not add rich compost or heavy nitrogen fertilizer.
Do not plant in soggy or poorly drained winter soils.
Do not overwater once roots are established.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Native plant gardensPollinator gardensDry bordersRock gardens

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia fulgida Schizachyrium scoparium Asclepias tuberosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Star Tickseed questions

What zones can Star Tickseed grow in?

Star Tickseed is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Star Tickseed deer resistant?

Yes — Star Tickseed is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Star Tickseed bloom?

Star Tickseed typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Star Tickseed need full sun?

Star Tickseed does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Star Tickseed drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Star Tickseed handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.