Wild Weeds – Weed of the Month
Florida Tickseed
Coreopsis floridana
Florida tickseed is one of 12 coreopsis species native to Florida which also serve as the state wildflower. This particular species is endemic to the state, meaning it is generally only found in Florida. Tickseed can be found in wet pinelands, prairies, cypress swamp edges, and very commonly seen in roadside ditches. Areas around Florida have intentional plantings of coreopsis in highway medians to boost native wildflower populations. This plant blooms from late summer into early winter but can bloom year round. Pollinators are attracted to the bright showy flowers, especially butterflies.
Photos by Mary Keim
Florida tickseed can be distinguished from other coreopsis found in the state by its shorter, more triangular bracts found under the base of the flower. The flowers are golden yellow and present in a ray of florets, the disk florets in the center of the flower are dark brown. Under the flower head there are two sets of bracts, the first presenting with reddish-purple stripes and the second a green bract with purple stripes. Flowers can easily reach heights of 2-3 feet and do well in butterfly gardens or native landscapes.
Learn more about the plant characteristics here: https://flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-coreopsis-floridana/
Check out other Wild Weeds Here: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/bakerco/tag/wild-weeds/
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