Coreopsis auriculata
Coreopsis auriculata is an early‑blooming perennial with golden daisies in spring. Plants spread slowly by short stolons and form tidy clumps in sun to part shade. They tolerate humidity well and handle some dryness, but they are less drought tolerant than some other tickseeds. Good drainage prevents crown problems. This species suits edging, small borders, and naturalized drifts in the Southeast and beyond.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: species; perennial
- Height × spread: 12-24 in (30-60 cm) × 6-9 in (15-23 cm)
- Bloom window: April to June (rebloom after shearing)
- Color & flower form: golden yellow, single daisies to about 2 in wide with three‑lobed rays
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 4-9
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown; native to the southeastern United States
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Blooms earlier than most Coreopsis, peaking in spring.
- Spreads by short stolons for a groundcover‑like effect.
- Handles part shade better than many tickseeds.
- Less drought tolerant than threadleaf types.
Strengths
- Early color for borders and slopes.
- Tolerates heat and humidity.
- Deer resistant.
- Reliable rebloom with shearing.
Care in one minute
- Site: sun to light afternoon shade in hot summers.
- Soil and pH: well‑drained sandy or loamy soils; acidic to neutral.
- Watering: steady moisture in spring; allow to dry slightly between waterings later.
- Feeding: light feeding only; excess fertility promotes flopping.
- Grooming: deadhead; shear after the first flush to tidy and encourage rebloom.
- Overwintering: none needed where hardy; ensure winter drainage.
Watch‑outs
- Foliage can scorch in extreme summer heat.
- Sprawls in moist or fertile soils.
- Crown rot possible without drainage.
Best uses (tags)
borders; edging; pollinators; groundcover; spring interest
Provenance note
Native to the southeastern United States; the epithet auriculata refers to the small ear‑like lobes at the base of the leaves.
References
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox – Coreopsis auriculata
- Flora of the Southeastern U.S. (UNC) – Coreopsis auriculata
- NC Native Plant Society – Lobed Tickseed profile (PDF)
- ASPCA – Coreopsis (Tickseed) non‑toxic to pets
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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