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Coreopsis auriculata (Lobed tickseed)
Bruso, George H.

Coreopsis auriculata

Coreopsis auriculata L.

Lobed Tickseed, Early Coreopsis, Eared Coreopsis, Dwarf Tickseed

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: COAU

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

This hardy, low-growing Coreopsis bears densely hairy, basal and stem leaves and small, bright-yellow, daisy-like flowers. The attractive foliage of the leafy rosettes persists through most of the winter. This coreopsis is unique in its dwarf, compact habit. It grows only 4-24 in. high. Plants spread and form colonies via runners.

The main bloom period is from Apr. to May but the plant will produce scattered flowers until frost.

 

From the Image Gallery

9 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Inflorescence: Head
Size Notes: Leaves rarely more than 4 inches from the ground. Flowers normally 6 inches to 2 feet high.
Flower: Flowers 1 to 2 inches wide
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Bloom Notes: Blooms best in full sun.

Distribution

USA: AL , FL , GA , KY , LA , MS , NC , SC , TN , VA , WV
Native Distribution: VA & KY, s. to GA & LA, east of Mississippi River
Native Habitat: Thin woods; wood edges; thickets; woodland openings; Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) savanna.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8) , Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Rich, acid soils. Tolerates lime.
Conditions Comments: For best results, early coreopsis needs 3-4 hours of sunlight per day. Flowers will be fewer and will lean too much with less. The main bloom period is from Apr. to May but the plant will produce scattered flowers until frost. A leaf mulch is beneficial.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: A favorite garden flower in the Southeast.
Use Wildlife: Flowers attract butterflies. Seed attracts songbirds.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Nectar Source: yes

Propagation

Propagation Material: Root Division , Seeds
Description: Seeds may be sown outside in late fall or the following spring without any cold treatment. Seedlings grow rapidly. This plant can be increased by separating outer rosettes from the clump in the fall.
Seed Collection: Nutlets are mature and ready for collection about four weeks after the flowers wither. Watch the inner series of bracts; when they begin to darken, it is time to collect. Remove chaff and store in sealed, refrigerated containers. Storage life is at least three years.
Seed Treatment: Seeds of this genus generally germinate without pretreatment.
Commercially Avail: yes
Maintenance: Colonizes by stolons. Divide every third year if want to reduce crowding.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE

Bibliography

Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. Wasowski

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Additional resources

USDA: Find Coreopsis auriculata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Coreopsis auriculata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Coreopsis auriculata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2022-12-23
Research By: TWC Staff

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