perennialN. America Native

Greater Tickseed

The Story

Plant Bio

Coreopsis major is an upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to dry open woods and pinelands across the eastern United States. It produces yellow daisy-like flower heads four to five centimeters wide atop creeping rhizomatous root systems.

The foliage is opposite but deeply divided into three lance-shaped leaflets, creating a distinct whorled appearance of six leaves per stem node. Leaves vary from downy to nearly smooth and emerge bright green in spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright yellow daisy flowers appear over distinct whorled foliage throughout summer.

Demonstrates high drought tolerance and grows reliably in poor soils without fertilizer.

Provides pollen and nectar for native bees, butterflies, beneficial insects, and hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

35"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soil.
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to accommodate spreading rhizomatous stems.
Water thoroughly at planting, then restrict supplemental watering to extended dry periods once established.
Cut dead stems to ground level in late winter before spring growth begins.

Pro Tip

Shear plants back lightly after the primary summer flush to induce repeat flowering and keep clumps compact.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root crown decay
Prune stems back after the main bloom flush to prompt new flowers
Divide rhizomes in early spring to propagate new plants

Don't

Do not apply excess nitrogen fertilizer, which produces weak and floppy stems
Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soils during winter
Do not over-water once established

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Native Plant GardensDry Woodland EdgesPollinator BordersNaturalized Prairie Beds

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Asclepias tuberosa Liatris spicata Schizachyrium scoparium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Greater Tickseed questions

What zones can Greater Tickseed grow in?

Greater Tickseed is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Greater Tickseed deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Greater Tickseed, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Greater Tickseed bloom?

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

Does Greater Tickseed need full sun?

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

Is Greater Tickseed drought tolerant?

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