Georgia tickseed is a perennial that dies back to the ground each winter and emerges each spring. Eventually, it reaches a mature height of 3-5 feet. Individual plants are thin, like the common tickseed (C. leavenworthii), and the foliage is somewhat similar besides. Most of the 1" linear leaves are found at the base of the plant, and these leaves become smaller and more widely spaced up the stem.
Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer. The pink ray petals may be 1" long and are numerous around the disk. As the photo shows, the disk flowers are yellow. Like all tickseeds, the flowers are favorites of bees and other similar pollinators. Butterflies are attracted also, but not to the same degree.
Georgia coreopsis requires wet to evenly moist soils to persist. This requirement may be what has limited its availability from commercial sources. I am not aware of it ever being offered by any of the nurseries affiliated with the Association of Florida Native Nurseries (AFNN) and it seems to have been largely ignored by others who sell plants. We do not propagate it at Hawthorn Hill at this time either. This is an easy species to grow from seed. If you have the right growing conditions - moist soil and at least half sun, give it a try. I am not experienced with how far south it may be grown. I expect it can be pushed at least into the northern half of the peninsula, but if you have experience with it, I would appreciate hearing from you: Huegelc55@aol.com
Trillium Gardens in Tallahassee is propagating this plant. I bought some from Native Nurseries in Tallahassee today (March 2015).
ReplyDeleteI don't recall where I got this plant, it may have been combined in a random wildflower mix I scattered. It's 28 October here in the Denver Colorado area and it's still blooming like gangbusters for me here! Started to bloom earlier this month. Growing about 4 feet tall. I luv it and am glad I found its name through this site. I'll be searching for more of its seeds to plant!
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