Plant Profile

Prairie Coreopsis (Coreopsis Palmata) is also known by the common names: Stiff Coreopsis,Tickseed, or Stiff Tickseed. This perennial forb is a member of the Asteraceae (Daisy) family. The genus name of Coreopsis comes from the Greek meaning for “bug-like” and refers back to the size and shape of the plant's seeds which resemble small ticks. Thus the ‘Tickseed’ portion of their common name. As for the specific epithet, Palmata comes from the Latin meaning of “hand/palm like” which refers to the unique leaf structure of the plant. In its natural habitat, Prairie Coreopsis can be found throughout central and eastern prairies of North America and grows naturally in prairies, open woods, and along roadsides – places with good drainage and plenty of light.  It’s not considered rare, but Prairie Coreopsis is much less common than it once was due to loss of native prairie habitat.

Prairie Coreopsis prefers medium to dry soil conditions and is tolerant of poor soil conditions and drought. Once it reaches maturity, the plant will be roughly 2 feet tall, and will spread out from their initial planting via long rhizomes/runners. The slow spread makes it useful for filling in spaces without overtaking nearby plants.  Very little care is needed for this agreeable perennial. Avoid overly rich or wet soils, which can cause floppy growth. 

The beautiful Prairie Coreopsis displays bright yellow flowers for 3 – 4 weeks in the heat of mid-summer. Each daisy-like flower, about 1–2 inches across, stands out against the plant’s deeply textured, palmate leaves. Once finished blooming, the seed heads persist into fall, providing late-season interest even after frost. 

In addition to attracting many native pollinators, Beekeepers consider all Coreopsis species to be good honey sources. In the past, some American Indian tribes applied boiled Coreopsis seeds to painful areas of their bodies in order to relieve ailments such as rheumatism. The upright clumping habit is easy to manage and provides a natural, informal look that uplifts any planting design in full sun. 

Consider finding a way to incorporate adaptable and highly under-utilized prairie plants along borders, in a native garden, naturalized area, prairie or wildflower meadow.