Coreopsis major

Common Names

Greater Tickseed, Greater Coreopsis, Forest Tickseed, Whorled Coreopsis, Whorled Leaf Coreopsis, Woodland Coreopsis, Wood Tickseed

Summary

Coreopsis major, commonly called Greater Tickseed or Forest Tickseed, is a North American perennial native to the eastern United States from Louisiana to Virginia and inland to Indiana and Ohio. It grows 2–3 feet tall in a clumping habit, with opposite tripartite leaves that give a whorl-like appearance, and from late spring through midsummer it bears large yellow/golden daisy-like flower heads on tall stems, about 1–3 inches across, with bright yellow rays and yellow centers.

In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, including sandy or rocky sites, and is drought-tolerant. It can naturalize over time via self-seeding and division every 2–3 years to maintain vigor; crown rot may occur in moist, poorly drained soils. It is well suited for borders, cottage gardens, native or butterfly gardens, and natural landscapes, and attracts butterflies and bees; hardy in USDA zones 5a–9b.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

24-36 inches

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, particularly sandy or rocky soils

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil, dry to moderately dry conditions

Soil pH

Adaptable to soil pH, no specific ideal pH is stated

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Stem cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies, Attracts birds