SafePlants

Pink Tickseed (Coreopsis rosea)

Pink tickseed, also known as rose coreopsis, is a delightful addition to gardens, celebrated for its delicate texture and profusion of summer blooms. It's also sometimes referred to simply as pink coreopsis.

Considerations for Pets

• Coreopsis rosea has rhizomatous roots.
• This plant produces seeds that are consumed by goldfinches.

Considerations for Children

• This plant produces seeds that are consumed by goldfinches.

Quirky Facts

• Coreopsis rosea is noted for being the only coreopsis species with pink flowers.
• Goldfinches are known to balance on the mature flower heads to eat the seeds.
• The name "tickseed" is shared with other members of the Coreopsis genus.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Coreopsis rosea
• Common Names: Pink Tickseed, Rose Coreopsis, Pink Coreopsis
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms: Rose Coreopsis (Coreopsis rosea Nutt.)

Distribution and Habitat

• Pink tickseed is a restricted endemic species with a small range along the Atlantic coast.
• It is considered extremely rare in New England, confined primarily to pond shores.
• The plant predominantly grows in wet sandy soils in coastal areas.

Ecological Role

• The rhizomatous roots of pink tickseed contribute to soil stabilization.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Pink tickseed is a fine-textured, mounded plant, typically growing 1-2 feet tall and twice as wide.
• It features erect leafy stems that can be simple or much-branched.
• The foliage is bright green, with linear, mid-green leaves.
• It forms dense, bushy clumps, reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height.
• The plant bears daisy-like flowers, approximately 1 inch in diameter, with rosy petals and yellow or dark red centers.
• Some varieties, like 'Sweet Dreams', have white flowers with deep raspberry centers.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The flowers of Coreopsis rosea attract bees.
• Goldfinches are known to feed on the seeds.
• It can be used as a companion plant to Coneflowers.

Varieties

• 'Sweet Dreams': Features white flowers with raspberry centers.
• 'American Dream': Grows vigorously with fern-like foliage in bushy clumps.
• 'Heaven's Gate': A popular variety available in nurseries.

Cultivation

• Pink tickseed grows best in average to moist, well-drained soil and full sun.
• It blooms from summer to autumn.
• Plant height typically ranges from 12-24 inches, with a plant spacing of 12-15 inches.
• It is hardy in temperatures ranging from -20 to -10F (Zones 4-8).

Further Information

• Dave's Garden: A community-based website where gardeners share tips and ideas.
• Discover Life: Provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Coreopsis rosea.
• TERMIUM: The Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank.