August Perennial of the Month-Tickseed

One of the most commonly used native perennials is Coreopsis, commonly called tickseed. Multiple species of coreopsis are native to Missouri and beyond, along with dozens of cultivars that have hit the market over the years. Most are known for their friendly, bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that are welcome in gardens around the world.

Native Americans and early settlers used the plants medicinally to treat diarrhea or nausea, and to prevent bedbugs. They used the flowers to make a yellow or brown dye and brewed the entire plant as a substitute for coffee.

Tickseed is one of the prairie plants that thrive on neglect and poor soils, preferring full sun. Depending on the species or cultivar, normal height ranges from 1’ to 3’, with some rarer species like Coreopsis tripteris that can reach 8’. As always, RESEARCH before you buy!

Tickseed looks at home in native-style plantings, or traditional styles-the key is to not over-water or mulch. Less is more with tickseed! Letting tickseed “do its thing” and naturalize an area by reseeding can be extremely striking in the garden, especially from a distance.

Deadheading or even shearing tickseed right after blooming will control reseeding and encourage a second bloom later in summer after the first bloom in spring.

What I love about this plant;

-It’s native!

-Bright, cherry yellow flowers go well in traditional or native-style plantings.

-Deer and rabbit resistant.

-Drought-resistant once established.

-No serious insect or disease problems.

What’s not so great;

-Can self-seed…not always a bad thing if you are naturalizing,

-Does not like moist or wet areas and will sprawl or get crown rot if grown in such conditions.

-Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2026, All rights reserved.