Coreopsis verticillata

Coreopsis verticillata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Genus:	Coreopsis
Species:	C. verticillata
Binomial name
Coreopsis verticillata L.

Coreopsis verticillata is a North American species of tickseed in the sunflower family. It is found primarily in the east-central United States, from Maryland south to Georgia, with isolated populations as far west as Oklahoma and as far north as Québec and Ontario.^[1] The common names are whorled tickseed,^[2][3] whorled coreopsis, thread-leaved tickseed, thread leaf coreopsis, and pot-of-gold.

Description

Coreopsis verticillata is an herbaceous perennial that grows 2–3 ft (1–1 m) tall and about 2 ft (1 m) wide, although as it spreads laterally by rhizomes,^[4] this width can be exceeded. The stems are wiry.^[5] The flower heads are up to 2 in (51 mm) across, and both the disc florets and ray florets are bright yellow. The flowers are produced abundantly in clusters from midsummer to fall.^[6]

Habitat

Coreopsis verticillata can commonly be found in dry, thin woods and open pinelands, preferring sites with full sun exposure. It can tolerate drought, poor soil, extreme heat, and neglect.^[5]

Horticultural cultivation

Coreopsis verticillata and its horticultural cultivars are not difficult to grow and hence make good starter plants for beginners. They have a long flowering season and are relatively free from pests and diseases. They attract butterflies and are deer resistant.^[7] They can be grown in hanging baskets and containers (where irrigation will be necessary), or as border plants.^[8] Carolyn Singer, in "Deer in My Garden", reports that C. verticillata is a good companion plant with other summer-blooming perennials requiring similar conditions.^[9] The following notable cultivars have all gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:-

• 'Grandiflora' - taller than other cultivars, with slightly larger flowers^[10]
• 'Moonbeam' - pale, sulphur-yellow flowers, slightly shorter growth, chosen as the 1992 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association.^[5] When this cultivar was first introduced to the market, demand outstripped supply in some localities, such was its popularity.^[11][12]
• 'Zagreb' - shorter than the species, bright yellow flowers^[13][14]

References

1. Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
2. "BSBI List 2007". Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-02-25. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
3. "Coreopsis verticillata". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
4. "Coreopsis verticillata L.". Wildflower Center at The University Of Texas At Austin. Retrieved 2010-02-20.
5. Christman, Steve. "Coreopsis verticillata". Floridata. Retrieved 2010-02-20.
6. Flora of North America, Coreopsis verticillata Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 2: 907. 1753.
7. "Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'". Perennial Resource. Retrieved 2010-02-20.
8. "Coreopsis verticillata". Magnolia Gardens Nursery. Retrieved 2010-02-20.
9. Singer, Carolyn (2006). Deer in My Garden: Vol. 1: Perennials & Subshrubs. Emerald Book. ISBN 978-0-9774251-0-5.
10. "RHS Plant Selector Coreopsis verticillata 'Grandiflora' AGM / RHS Gardening". Apps.rhs.org.uk. Retrieved 2013-06-06.
11. Iannotti, Marie. "Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'". About.com. Retrieved 2010-02-20.
12. "RHS Plant Selector Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' / RHS Gardening". Apps.rhs.org.uk. Retrieved 2013-06-06.
13. "Coreopsis verticillata Zagreb". North Creek Nurseries. Retrieved 2010-02-20.
14. "RHS Plant Selector Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' AGM / RHS Gardening". Apps.rhs.org.uk. Retrieved 2013-06-06.