2 named cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Mouse-eared Coreopsis

The Story

Plant Bio

Coreopsis auriculata, mouse-ear coreopsis, is a low native perennial of the southeastern states, spreading slowly by short stolons into a mat of small paddle-shaped leaves, most with a pair of little lobes at the base that give it its name. Golden-yellow daisies one to three inches across rise on slender stems from late spring into summer.

It is one of the few coreopsis that tolerates partial shade rather than demanding full sun, which makes it useful at a woodland edge. Deadhead it and it keeps flowering for months instead of a few weeks; leave the last flush and songbirds take the seed. Deer and rabbits generally leave it alone.

Uses & Benefits:

Clear golden daisies over a low mat, from late spring well into summer if deadheaded.

A native, drought-tolerant, deer-resistant perennial that works in light shade as well as sun.

Nectar for butterflies and pollinators, and seed for songbirds if the last flush is left standing.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18 inches

Width

8 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun or partial shade.
Give it well-drained soil; it dislikes winter wet.
Deadhead regularly to extend the flowering season.
Leave the final flush of seedheads for the birds.
Divide congested clumps every few years in spring.
Water in prolonged drought, though it is tolerant.

Pro Tip

Deadheading turns a three-week display into a three-month one, so shear the spent flowers off every couple of weeks.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Deadhead every couple of weeks ✂️
Give it free-draining soil 🌱
Leave late seedheads for songbirds 🐦
Divide clumps every few years 🔁

Don't

Plant it in wet winter ground ❌
Feed it richly — it flops ❌
Cut every seedhead off in autumn ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Native meadow and prairie plantingFront of a sunny or lightly shaded borderRock garden and path edging

Companion Plants

Butterfly Weed Little Bluestem Purple Coneflower Blazing Star Threadleaf Coreopsis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mouse-eared Coreopsis questions

What zones can Mouse-eared Coreopsis grow in?

Mouse-eared Coreopsis 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 Mouse-eared Coreopsis deer resistant?

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

When does Mouse-eared Coreopsis bloom?

Mouse-eared Coreopsis typically blooms in late spring to summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mouse-eared Coreopsis need full sun?

Mouse-eared Coreopsis does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Mouse-eared Coreopsis drought tolerant?

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