Star Tickseed
Coreopsis pubescens
Last reviewed: September 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, CT, FL and 15 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Before you buy
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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.
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.
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