Coreopsis- Leavensworth's Tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii) (Florida Native)

This lovely wildflower has been named for Melines Conkling Leavenworth (1796-1862), a botanist who collected this specimen from his native Florida as well as many others throughout the southeastern United States. Its common name of "tickseed" comes from the resemblance of the seeds to that particular bug. Hardiness and love of dry soil make the flowers in this family especially valuable to citizens of the state of Florida, who appointed Coreopsis as their official state wildflower in 1991. This plant likes almost any soil type. Save the well amended areas for the fruits and veggies. Coreopsis needs regular watering throughout it's early days, but is very drought tolerant when established. Direct sow in the Fall to let the seeds over-winter for a Spring and Summer bloom. If planting seeds in the Spring or Summer, the seeds need 2-4 weeks of cold/wet stratification.