Palmate Tickseed
coreopsis palmata
Also known as: ["Prairie Coreopsis","Yellow Tickseed"]
Overview
A perennial wildflower native to North American prairies, known for its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and palmately compound leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Coreopsis |
| Botanical Name: | Coreopsis palmata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in open, sunny area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid heavy, water-retentive soils.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but performs best with some fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season; prune lightly in early spring to shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to rejuvenate an older plant.
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 good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in deep shade for prolonged periods.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; amend heavy soils with organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); tolerates heat and some cold but thrives in temperate conditions.
Monitor temperature extremes; adjust watering and light exposure accordingly; protect from sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before new growth emerges; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid environment with indirect light; protect from drafts.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may take an additional month.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools; make cuts just above a leaf node or bud; remove spent flower stalks at the base.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth; deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, bypass cutters, gloves.
Checklist
Clean tools before use; prune dead or damaged stems; remove spent flowers; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling 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 container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose a clean pot with drainage holes; use fresh potting mix; water after repotting; place in a shaded area for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water penetrates the root ball and drains freely; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter or drought; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration by avoiding compaction.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or yellowing in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback; prolonged cold can lead to root damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from frost with row covers or move containers indoors; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, flower bud drop, and leaf scorch; may go dormant if watered improperly.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; water deeply and mulch to retain soil moisture; increase humidity around the plant if possible.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use a balanced fertilizer; apply at half-strength if unsure; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer to avoid tender growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCoreopsis palmata is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested in small amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicCoreopsis palmata is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested in small amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCoreopsis palmata is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in small quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Coreopsis palmata grow?
A: It typically reaches 1 to 3 feet in height.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Is it suitable for container gardening?
A: While possible, it is best suited for garden beds due to its spreading habit.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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