Coreopsis verticillata
Coreopsis verticillata is a fine‑textured perennial known for threadlike foliage and masses of yellow daisies in early summer to fall. It forms airy clumps and spreads slowly by rhizomes in lean, well‑drained soils. Plants handle heat and humidity in much of North America. They perform best in full sun with dry to medium moisture. This species tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils once established. It attracts pollinators and resists browsing by deer. Avoid wet sites, which can cause crown rot.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: species; threadleaf type; perennial
- Height × spread: 30-36 in (75-90 cm) × 18-24 in (45-60 cm)
- Bloom window: June to September (reblooms after shearing)
- Color & flower form: yellow, single daisies about 1-2 in wide
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 3-9
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown; native to Eastern United States
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Fine threadlike leaves create a lighter, ferny texture than many tickseed species.
- Forms rhizomatous clumps rather than short‑lived crowns.
- Holds color in summer heat when soils are lean and well drained.
- Typically blooms from early summer to early fall with prompt deadheading.
Strengths
- Tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils.
- Deer and drought tolerant once established.
- Long bloom with shearing or deadheading.
- Low maintenance in full sun.
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun with open air movement.
- Soil and pH: lean, well‑drained sandy or rocky loam; neutral to slightly acidic.
- Watering: water to establish; then deep, infrequent watering during drought.
- Feeding: minimal fertilizer; excess nutrients increase flopping.
- Grooming: deadhead spent stems; shear midsummer to encourage fall bloom.
- Overwintering: leave some seedheads for birds; cut back in late winter.
Watch‑outs
- Can sprawl in moist or fertile soils.
- Crown rot possible in poorly drained sites.
- May spread by rhizomes and self‑seeding if not maintained.
- Occasional powdery mildew or aster yellows in humid seasons.
Best uses (tags)
borders; naturalizing; pollinators; drought‑tolerant; heat‑tolerant
Provenance note
Native to the eastern United States; the threadlike, whorled leaves give rise to the common name threadleaf coreopsis.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder – Coreopsis verticillata
- ASPCA – Coreopsis (Tickseed) non‑toxic to pets
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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