Coreopsis – Lance Leaved

Lance-Leaved Coreopsis, commonly known as Tickseed, is a hardy and drought-tolerant perennial native to much of the United States, with populations also found in parts of Mexico and Canada. It thrives in a broad range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils, provided the soil is well-drained. This versatile wildflower is prized for its bright, cheerful yellow blooms with a distinctive daisy-like shape that typically appear in late spring through early summer.

During its first year, Lance-Leaved Coreopsis establishes a strong root system and may produce a few blooms. By the second year, the plant typically reaches full flowering potential, producing abundant bright yellow flowers. The common name “Tickseed” comes from the appearance of its seeds, which resemble tiny ticks.

This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate dry conditions once established, making it well-suited to prairie gardens, meadows, and naturalized landscapes. It can be started indoors or sown directly outdoors in spring, though fall planting is also possible in many regions if soil conditions are suitable. Lance-Leaved Coreopsis handles transplanting well and may benefit from staking when fully grown to support its upright stems.

Deadheading spent flowers throughout the bloom season encourages prolonged flowering and prevents unwanted self-seeding in managed gardens. However, if the seeds fall directly onto bare soil, the plant may naturally reseed and return year after year.

Lance-Leaved Coreopsis pairs beautifully with other native wildflowers such as Larkspur and Daisies, adding vibrant color and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

As with most perennials, the plant spends its first year developing foliage and roots, blooming fully in its second year and beyond. This longer establishment period is why perennial seeds are often more expensive than annuals, which flower and set seed in their first growing season.

The broadcast rate for seeding is 20 – 25 pounds per acre.

The seed drill rate for seeding in rows is 10 pounds per acre.