Coreopsis auriculata aka Lobed Tickseed

Taxonomy

Genus Coreopsis Family Asteraceae Order Asterales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Coreopsis auriculata, also known as lobed tickseed or mouse-ear tickseed, is a North American plant species in the Asteraceae family. Native to the southeastern and east-central United States, it can be found from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle and as far north as Kentucky, Maryland, and West Virginia. This perennial plant grows between 10 and 30 cm (4-12 in) tall, occasionally reaching up to 60 cm (24 in). It produces rounded yellow flower heads that bloom in spring and early summer. The plant often spreads through short stolons after flowering, forming long spreading colonies. Coreopsis auriculata has both basal and cauline leaves, with foliage taking up 1/4 to 1/2 of the plant's height. The leaves have petioles measuring 1-6(10+) cm long and can be simple or have 1 or 2 lateral lobes. Basal leaf blades are suborbiculate or ovate-elliptic to lance-ovate, typically around 15-55 mm long and 9-25 mm wide. The flower heads, located at the ends of 8 to 25 cm long peduncles, feature lance-deltate to lance-ovate phyllaries measuring 9-12 mm long. The ray florets have yellow laminae that are 15-20+ mm long, while the disc florets have corollas measuring 3.5-4.5 mm long with yellow apices. Flowering occurs from April to June. The fruits, called cypselae, contain a single seed and are 1.5-2.5 mm long and brown-black in color, lacking wings. Coreopsis auriculata is commonly found growing along roadsides and in openings within woods, particularly in mixed hardwood trees and pine barrens, especially in areas with calcareous soils in the southeastern USA. In garden settings, the cultivar Coreopsis auriculata 'Nana' is often grown as a blooming ground cover. Additionally, the flowers and stems of this plant have been historically used to produce an orange to red/orange dye. Overall, Coreopsis auriculata is a dwarf, bushy, and clump-forming perennial with finely divided green leaves. Its daisy-like golden yellow flowers are held on long stalks and bloom throughout the summer season.

Common names

Lobed Tickseed, Mouse Ear Tickseed, Mouse Ear Coreopsis

How to care for Lobed Tickseed

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Lobed Tickseed, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Lobed Tickseed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Lobed Tickseed loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Lobed Tickseed thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Mouse Ear Coreopsis.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Lobed Tickseed plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Lobed Tickseed has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Lobed Tickseed displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.

Region of origin

Lobed Tickseed’s native range is South-eastern N. America - Florida and Louisiana, north to Virginia and Kentucky.

More info:
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More Species in Coreopsis Genus

Coreopsis gladiata Florida Tickseed

Coreopsis major Forest Tickseed

Coreopsis lanceolata Coreopsis

Coreopsis leavenworthii Leavenworth's Tickseed

Coreopsis auriculata Lobed Tickseed

Coreopsis Tickseed

Coreopsis calliopsidea Leafstem Tickseed

Coreopsis tripteris Tall Coreopsis

Coreopsis verticillata Whorled Tickseed

Coreopsis gigantea Giant Coreopsis