Tall Tickseed

coreopsis tripteris

Also known as: ["Three-winged Coreopsis","Tall Coreopsis"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Coreopsis Category: Flowers

Overview

A tall, herbaceous perennial wildflower native to North America, known for its bright yellow daisy-like flowers and airy, delicate foliage.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Coreopsis
Botanical Name: Coreopsis tripteris

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed in open areas with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining to moderately draining; avoid heavy clay soils.
  • Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly during blooming season; cut back annually in late fall or early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown, but avoid heavy pruning during flowering
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate spacing for air circulation.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.

Temperature

Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates heat but may struggle below 50°F (10°C); thrives in moderate temperatures.

Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; adjust care seasonally.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; stop feeding before winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use sharp, clean tools; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead spent flowers; shear lightly after first bloom; cut back hard in late fall or early spring.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back in late fall or early spring to maintain shape and vigor.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, clean blades.

Checklist

Clean tools; deadhead regularly; cut back in fall/spring; avoid pruning during peak bloom.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or extreme temperatures.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for maintaining vigor and bloom quality.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and leaf wetness; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for efficient, targeted watering.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture and improve soil structure.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback; vulnerable to frost damage in winter.

Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; move potted plants indoors before frost; provide frost cloth protection in cold snaps.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may decline in prolonged heat.

Solution: Water deeply during heatwaves; provide afternoon shade; increase humidity around the plant.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water after fertilizing; avoid contact with roots.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing; reduce feeding in late summer/autumn.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Coreopsis tripteris may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Coreopsis tripteris can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential root damage.

Leaf spots on Coreopsis tripteris may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Coreopsis tripteris due to excessive moisture, leading to decay, loss of structural integrity, and plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Coreopsis tripteris is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not produce compounds that are harmful to felines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets for any unusual behavior, but this plant is not expected to cause toxicity.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Coreopsis tripteris is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not produce compounds that are harmful to canines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets for any unusual behavior, but this plant is not expected to cause toxicity.
Humans
Non-toxic

Coreopsis tripteris is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption of any plant material may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How tall does Coreopsis tripteris grow?

A: It can grow up to 6 feet tall, making it a striking addition to garden landscapes.

Q: Does Tall Tickseed attract pollinators?

A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators due to its abundant flowers.

Q: Is Coreopsis tripteris deer-resistant?

A: It has moderate resistance to deer, but heavy browsing may occur in some areas.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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