perennialN. America Native

Leavenworth's Tickseed

Coreopsis leavenworthii

The Story

Plant Bio

Coreopsis leavenworthii is an upright, branching herbaceous perennial native to the pine flatwoods and wet prairies of the southeastern United States. It produces a continuous display of daisy-like, bright yellow flower heads with dark brown centers on slender, leafless stems rising from a basal rosette of narrow, deeply lobed foliage.

This species is highly adapted to hot, humid climates and moist soils, distinguishing it from other common garden tickseeds that require dry, sandy conditions. It functions as a short-lived perennial or self-seeding annual, reliably renewing its presence in the garden through abundant seed drop.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a prolific, near-continuous display of bright yellow daisy-like flowers that stand out in sunny borders.

Functions as an excellent self-seeding ground cover for stabilizing moist soils in low-lying garden areas.

Provides a vital source of nectar and pollen for native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate to High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Short-lived Perennial / Annual

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Winter

In flower about 12 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with moist, acidic to neutral sandy loam or well-drained clay.
Plant container-grown specimens or plugs in spring, spacing them twelve to eighteen inches apart.
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist until the root system is fully established.
Allow spent flowers to drop seed naturally in late fall to ensure new seedlings emerge the following spring.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in bone-dry, unamended sand or waterlogged clay; instead, maintain a consistently moist soil profile with adequate drainage to prevent root rot while supporting continuous blooming.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune back the stems lightly after a heavy flowering flush to stimulate fresh growth and a new wave of blooms.
Ensure the soil remains moderately moist, especially during dry summer spells.
Allow the plant to self-sow freely to maintain its presence in the garden over multiple seasons.

Don't

Do not cut back severely into the dead, leafless woody bases of older plants.
Do not over-fertilize, as excessive nutrients lead to weak, floppy stems and fewer flowers.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely or remain waterlogged for extended periods.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Pollinator GardensRain GardensWildflower MeadowsMixed BordersCottage Gardens

Companion Plants

Rudbeckia hirta Helenium autumnale Liatris spicata Monarda fistulosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Leavenworth's Tickseed questions

What zones can Leavenworth's Tickseed grow in?

Leavenworth's Tickseed is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Leavenworth's Tickseed bloom?

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

Does Leavenworth's Tickseed need full sun?

Leavenworth's Tickseed does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Leavenworth's Tickseed drought tolerant?

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