Star Tickseed
Coreopsis pubescens
Last reviewed: October 2026
Star tickseed is a sun-loving forb that blooms from May through September, producing bright yellow flowers on wiry stems in open fields and woodland edges across the southeastern and south-central United States.
Star Tickseed (Coreopsis pubescens) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 14 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
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Star tickseed is a compact native perennial that produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers from late spring through fall. This drought-tolerant wildflower forms neat clumps and thrives in sunny locations with minimal care.
Growing Star Tickseed
Grow Star Tickseed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
How to care for Star Tickseed, by region
How to care for Star Tickseed where it is actually grown: year-round basics plus what to do each season, region by region, with the sources for each.
Care guidance last updated: October 2026
Southwestern Appalachians (includes Chattanooga, TN)
Year-round
Star tickseed wants full sun and well-drained soil and handles heat, humidity, and dry spells.
- It likes dry to medium, well-drained, rocky or sandy soil.
- Soil that stays too wet can cause crown rot.
- Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators visit the flowers.
- Listed as deer resistant.
Yellow flowers with orange centers look cheerful in a front bed. Cut it back in summer if it sprawls to keep it neat.
Fall
Fall is easy for star tickseed since it needs little water or fuss.
- Water only through long dry stretches.
- Keep the soil well drained.
- Wet soil can cause crown rot.
Winter
Winter is a rest period and star tickseed is hardy in USDA zones 5a through 9b.
- Make sure the spot drains well since wet soil can cause crown rot.
- No feeding is needed.
- Plan to divide or add plants in spring.
Spring
Spring is a good time to plant or divide star tickseed in a sunny, well-drained spot.
- It spreads by seed or division.
- Give it at least 6 hours of direct sun.
- Avoid heavy, soggy soil.
Summer
Summer is bloom season, roughly June through September, with 2 inch yellow flowers.
- Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.
- Cut it back if the foliage sprawls.
- It tolerates heat, humidity, and drought.
Sources: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Coreopsis pubescens
In an HOA neighborhood
Star Tickseed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The long blooming period provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles throughout the growing season. Seeds also attract songbirds in late fall and winter.
Common questions
- When does Star Tickseed bloom?
- Star Tickseed typically flowers from May through September, with peak bloom in the warmer summer months.
- What pollinators visit Star Tickseed?
- Bees, butterflies, and beetles are the most common visitors, drawn to the open yellow flower heads for nectar and pollen.
- What growing conditions does Star Tickseed prefer?
- It grows best in full sun to light part sun with well-drained soil and does not need much supplemental water once established.
- Does Star Tickseed come back every year?
- Yes, it is a herbaceous perennial forb that dies back in winter and regrows from its base each spring.
- Is Star Tickseed toxic to dogs?
- Star Tickseed is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Star Tickseed toxic to cats?
- Star Tickseed is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Star Tickseed HOA-friendly?
- Star Tickseed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Star Tickseed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.