SafePlants

Coreopsis verticillata: Whorled Tickseed

Coreopsis verticillata, commonly known as whorled tickseed, is a popular perennial appreciated for its vibrant blooms and delicate foliage. It's a member of the Asteraceae (Aster or Daisy) family.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• This plant has thread-like leaves, which could present a minor ingestion hazard if consumed in large quantities.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Coreopsis verticillata L.
• Common Names: Whorled tickseed, whorled coreopsis, threadleaf coreopsis, thread-leaved tickseed.
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster or Daisy Family, also known as Compositae)
• Genus: Coreopsis
• Species: verticillata

Cultivars

• 'Zagreb'
• 'Moonbeam'
• 'Big Bang Full Moon'
• 'Grandiflora'

Distribution and Habitat

• Coreopsis verticillata is a North American native species.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a perennial, typically growing to a height of 1-2 feet.
• 'Zagreb' reaches 8-18 inches in height and 18-24 inches in width.
• The leaves are dark-green and divided into thread-like segments, giving a lacy appearance. The opposite stemless leaves are each divided into 3 segments, which gives the appearance of 6 whorled leaves
• It produces a profusion of bright golden-yellow flowers.

Ecological Role

• Whorled tickseed serves as an important nectar source for butterflies and insects.
• Its seeds are consumed by birds such as Sparrows, Towhees, and Doves.

Propagation

• Coreopsis verticillata is easily propagated from seed without any pretreatment, or by division in the spring.

Quirky Facts

• The name "whorled tickseed" comes from the appearance of 6 whorled leaves, created by the division of opposite stemless leaves into 3 segments each.
• 'Zagreb' was a Winner of the 2001 RHS Award of Garden Merit.