Coreopsis auriculata aka Lobed Tickseed

Coreopsis auriculata is a perennial in the aster family. Its common names include ear-leaved tickseed and mouse-eared coreopsis. It comes from the east-central and southeastern United States. Its range includes Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia, Louisiana, and nearby states. It grows in rich woods on lime-rich soils and clearings. The plant loses its leaves for winter.

This upright plant forms bushy clumps and spreads by stolons. These runners let clumps widen over time. NC State gives heights of 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres]. It lists widths of 0.5–0.75 feet [0.15–0.23 metres]. RHS gives a larger garden range for both dimensions. Its upper limit reaches about 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Growth proceeds at a moderate pace. The smooth, round stems are green and have no scent. Soft hairs cover the deep green leaves near the base. Leaves are oval to elliptical and reach 0.25 feet [0.08 metres] long. Two small lobes near each leaf base resemble ears.

Bright yellow flower heads rise on thin, upright stalks. Each head reaches about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres] across. Eight yellow rays surround a yellow central disk. Each ray ends in three lobes. The main bloom runs from April through June. Removing spent flowers helps the plant bloom again. Cutting plants back in midsummer can prompt fall flowers. Small capsules appear in June and July. Butterflies visit the blooms, which supply nectar for pollinators. Songbirds eat the seeds.

Grow this plant in sun, though it accepts light shade. It suits sandy or loamy ground with good drainage. RHS also lists chalk and a broad pH range. Moist soil supports growth, but plants tolerate some dry spells. Established plants resist drought, though less than some other tickseeds. The plant also tolerates humidity and resists deer damage. Sources rate it for USDA zones 4–9 and RHS H5. Gardeners can raise it from seed or divide clumps in spring.

Use it in borders, beds, containers, meadows, and wildlife gardens. Its spreading clumps suit mass plantings, and gardeners can check their spread. Flowers also suit cutting. Flowers and stems yield orange to red-orange dye. Care needs are low, with few serious pest or disease problems. Slugs and snails may feed on it. Poor drainage can lead to crown rot. Rich or moist soil may make stems sprawl. Summer heat can scorch the leaves. PFAF reports no known food or medicinal uses or hazards. NC State lists it as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.