Coreopsis (Coreopsis pubescens)

Coreopsis pubescens, commonly known as Star Tickseed or Hairy Coreopsis, is a cheerful native perennial wildflower that brings brilliant golden-yellow blooms to gardens and natural areas throughout the southeastern United States. This member of the Asteraceae (sunflower) family is beloved by gardeners for its long blooming season, extending from early summer through fall, and its ability to thrive in a wide variety of growing conditions with minimal care.

Standing 3 to 4 feet tall at maturity, this robust perennial forms attractive clumps of deeply lobed, somewhat hairy leaves that provide excellent texture even when the plant is not in bloom. The bright golden flowers, measuring 1-2 inches across, feature the classic daisy-like form with 8-10 broad, notched petals surrounding a yellow center disc. Each flower head sits atop sturdy stems that sway gracefully in summer breezes, creating a naturalistic display that attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.

What makes Star Tickseed particularly valuable in native plant gardens is its adaptability and low maintenance requirements. It tolerates drought once established, grows well in average garden soils, and produces abundant flowers without the need for deadheading or heavy fertilization. Its extended blooming period and bright color make it an excellent choice for wildflower meadows, pollinator gardens, and naturalized areas where a splash of sustained color is desired.

Identification

Star Tickseed is easily recognized by its distinctive combination of deeply divided leaves, sturdy upright growth habit, and abundant golden-yellow flowers that bloom for months. The plant typically reaches 3 to 4 feet in height and spreads 2 to 3 feet wide, forming attractive clumps that expand slowly over time through underground rhizomes.

Leaves

The leaves are opposite, deeply divided into 3-5 narrow, lance-shaped segments, giving them a delicate, almost fern-like appearance. Each leaf segment is 2-4 inches long and covered with fine, soft hairs (pubescence) that give the plant its specific epithet “pubescens” and common name “Hairy Coreopsis.” The foliage is medium green in color and provides an attractive backdrop to the bright flowers. Lower leaves are often more deeply divided than upper leaves, which may be simple or less divided.

Flowers

The flower heads are classic composite flowers typical of the sunflower family, measuring 1-2 inches across. Each flower consists of 8-10 bright golden-yellow ray petals (technically ray flowers) that are broadly oval with distinctive notched or lobed tips, surrounding a central disc of tiny yellow disc flowers. The ray petals often have a subtle orange tinge at their base, adding depth to the overall golden color. Flowers are borne singly or in small clusters at the tips of branching stems, creating an abundance of blooms from June through October.

Stems & Growth Habit

The stems are erect, sturdy, and branching, covered with the same fine hairs as the leaves. The plant grows from a perennial root system and produces multiple stems from the base, creating a bushy, clumping growth habit. Stems are green to reddish-green and become somewhat woody at the base with age. The branching pattern creates a natural, informal appearance that fits well in wildflower gardens and naturalized settings.

Native Range

Star Tickseed is native to the southeastern United States, with its primary range extending from Virginia south to Georgia and west to eastern Tennessee and northern Alabama. The species is most abundant in the Piedmont and mountain regions, where it grows naturally in open woodlands, forest edges, and disturbed sites with well-drained soils.

In its native habitat, Coreopsis pubescens typically occurs in partially shaded to sunny locations along woodland borders, in clearings, and on slopes with good drainage. It often grows alongside other native wildflowers such as Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and various native grasses. The plant shows a particular affinity for sites with some organic matter in the soil but is quite adaptable to various soil types.

While not as widespread as some other Coreopsis species, Star Tickseed plays an important ecological role in its native range, providing nectar for pollinators during the crucial late-summer period when many other wildflowers have finished blooming. Its seeds also provide food for various songbirds, particularly finches and sparrows, during fall and winter.

📋 Regional plant lists featuring Coreopsis: North Carolina & South Carolina

Growing & Care Guide

Star Tickseed is one of the most rewarding native wildflowers for gardeners, offering months of bright blooms with minimal care once established. Its adaptability to various growing conditions and tolerance for neglect make it an excellent choice for both beginning and experienced native plant gardeners.

Light

Coreopsis pubescens performs best in full sun, where it produces the most abundant flowers and maintains a compact, sturdy growth habit. It can tolerate partial shade (4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily) but may become somewhat leggy and produce fewer flowers. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial, but morning sun is essential for good flowering.

Soil & Water

This adaptable wildflower thrives in average, well-drained garden soils and is quite tolerant of various soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as drainage is adequate. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) but adapts to a range of soil conditions. Once established, Star Tickseed is quite drought tolerant, though it performs best with moderate, consistent moisture during the growing season. Avoid overwatering or planting in consistently wet sites, as this can lead to root rot.

Planting Tips

Plant Star Tickseed in spring after the last frost date or in early fall. Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for their mature spread. They can be grown from seed sown directly in fall or started indoors in late winter. Seeds need light to germinate, so barely cover them with soil. Young plants establish quickly and often bloom in their first year from spring plantings.

Pruning & Maintenance

One of the great advantages of Star Tickseed is that it requires no deadheading to continue blooming – the plant naturally produces new flowers continuously throughout the growing season. In late fall or early spring, cut the plants back to 2-3 inches above ground level. The plants will self-seed modestly, and unwanted seedlings are easy to remove. Dividing clumps every 3-4 years in spring helps maintain vigor and can provide new plants.

Landscape Uses

Star Tickseed’s long blooming period and bright color make it valuable in many garden settings:

• Wildflower meadows and naturalized areas
• Pollinator gardens – excellent late-season nectar source
• Cottage gardens and informal perennial borders
• Native plant gardens paired with other southeastern natives
• Cut flower gardens – stems last well in arrangements
• Rain gardens and areas with variable moisture
• Slope plantings for erosion control

Wildlife & Ecological Value

Star Tickseed provides exceptional value to wildlife, particularly during the late summer and fall when many other wildflowers have finished blooming. Its extended flowering period makes it a crucial resource for pollinators preparing for winter, while its seeds support various songbirds through fall and winter.

For Birds

The abundant seeds of Star Tickseed are eagerly consumed by numerous songbird species, including American Goldfinches, Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, Indigo Buntings, and various sparrows. The sturdy stems remain standing through winter, providing easy access to seeds during harsh weather. Many birds also use the fine, fibrous bark of old stems as nesting material in spring.

For Mammals

While not a primary food source for mammals, the seeds are occasionally eaten by small rodents such as mice and voles. The dense clumps provide shelter for small mammals and ground-dwelling creatures during winter.

For Pollinators

Star Tickseed is outstanding for supporting pollinators, particularly during the crucial late-season period. The flowers attract a wide variety of native bees, including sweat bees, leafcutter bees, and long-horned bees. Butterflies are frequent visitors, especially Painted Ladies, Skippers, and various fritillaries. The composite flower structure provides both nectar from the ray flowers and pollen from the disc flowers, making each bloom highly nutritious for visiting insects.

Ecosystem Role

As a native wildflower, Star Tickseed plays an important role in supporting local food webs and maintaining biodiversity. Its late-season blooms help sustain pollinator populations when many other flowers have finished, supporting the complex relationships between plants, pollinators, and the animals that depend on them. The plant’s ability to thrive in disturbed sites also makes it valuable for ecological restoration projects.

Cultural & Historical Uses

Like many members of the Coreopsis genus, Star Tickseed has a rich history of traditional uses by Indigenous peoples of the southeastern United States. Cherokee and other southeastern tribes used various Coreopsis species medicinally, though specific historical documentation of Coreopsis pubescens uses is limited compared to its more widespread relatives.

The common name “Tickseed” derives from the appearance of the seeds, which are small, dark, and somewhat resemble ticks. This name is shared among all Coreopsis species and reflects the distinctive seed morphology that makes the genus easily recognizable. The seeds were sometimes used by Native Americans as a food source, either eaten raw or ground into meal, though they were considered more of an emergency food than a staple.

In early American folk medicine, various Coreopsis species were used to treat a range of ailments, from digestive issues to skin conditions. However, modern research has not validated these traditional uses, and the plants are not considered to have significant medicinal properties today. The primary value of Star Tickseed in contemporary times lies in its ecological benefits and ornamental qualities.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, many Coreopsis species, including Star Tickseed, were collected from the wild for use in cottage gardens and naturalized landscaping. The development of the native plant movement in the late 20th century brought renewed appreciation for this and other native wildflowers, not just for their beauty but for their ecological importance in supporting native wildlife and maintaining regional biodiversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Star Tickseed need to be deadheaded to keep blooming?
No, one of the great advantages of Coreopsis pubescens is that it continues blooming without deadheading. The plant naturally produces new flowers throughout the season, even while older flowers are setting seed. This makes it very low-maintenance compared to many other perennials.

How long does it take for Star Tickseed to establish and bloom?
Plants grown from seed often bloom in their first year, especially if started indoors and transplanted out in spring. Container-grown plants will typically bloom the same season they are planted. The plants reach their full mature size and peak blooming performance by their second or third year.

Is Star Tickseed aggressive or invasive?
No, Coreopsis pubescens is well-behaved in the garden. While it does self-seed modestly, it is not aggressive and unwanted seedlings are easy to remove. It spreads slowly to form clumps but does not become invasive or overtake other plants.

Can Star Tickseed grow in clay soil?
Yes, as long as the clay soil has adequate drainage. If your clay soil holds water for extended periods, consider amending it with compost or planting in raised beds. The plant is quite adaptable to various soil types but cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions.

When should I divide my Star Tickseed clumps?
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring as new growth begins to emerge. This helps maintain plant vigor and provides new plants for expansion or sharing. The divided sections establish quickly and usually bloom the same season.