Mertensia virginica en masse. — Mertensia virginica en masse. Photo © Mary Free

Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis, Whorled Tickseed)

Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' (Threadleaf Coreopsis) sprouting in March.

The leaves of native Coreopsis verticillata (whorled tickseed), which are three-parted to the base, may appear whorled.

Airy green foliage of Coreopsis verticillata.

Coreopsis verticillata, Threadleaf Coreopsis, blooming in July.

Green sweat bee on Coreopsis verticillata (Thread-leaf Coreopsis, Whorled Tickseed)

Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam,' cultivar blooming en masse.

Coreopsis verticillata (Thread-leaf Coreopsis, Whorled Tickseed) flower buds in July

Coreopsis verticillata (Thread-leaf Coreopsis, Whorled Tickseed) flowers and fruit in July

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Perennial Height: 1⁄2–3 1⁄2 feet Spread: 2–3 feet Bloom Color: Yellow Characteristics Dense, finely textured, bushy clumps Glabrous, thread-like, three-parted leaves appearing whorled around the stem Yellow composite flowers in loose clusters (corymbs) from late spring to late summer Cypselae with pappi lacking or with two awns Spreads readily by rhizomes and reseeding Attributes Tolerates dry/poor soil, drought, heat, and humidity; intolerant of waterlogged soils No serious pests or diseases; deer rarely damage Ethnobotanic and therapeutic uses Attracts bees, wasps, syrphid flies, and butterflies Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Well-drained Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Water Requirements: Dry, Moist Deadhead for continued blooms or shear plants mid- to late summer for fall re-bloom Use in mixed borders, containers, or cutting gardens, or naturalized in meadow gardens Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9 Excellent Replacement for Cosmos species - Cosmos (annual) Leucanthemum vulgare - Ox-Eye Daisy Lotus corniculatus - Bird’s Foot Trefoil Zinnia species - Zinnia (annual)

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis, Whorled Tickseed)

Threadleaf Coreopsis, with its showy flower clusters and airy foliage, is as popular in the garden today as it was in the 19th century. Its natural habitat,* though, is mostly in Virginia and central North Carolina. If you are fond of its appearance but wary of self seeding plants, then try the sterile, compact cultivar ‘Moonbeam’ that spreads by rhizomes.

*It also is native to DC and to areas in MD. It is unreported in DE and PA.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants:
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets

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