Florida Tickseed: A Sunshine-Bright Native Wildflower for Wet Gardens
If you’re looking for a cheerful native wildflower that absolutely loves Florida’s wet weather, meet Florida tickseed (Coreopsis floridana). This perennial beauty brings months of bright yellow blooms to gardens while supporting local wildlife and thriving in conditions that might challenge other plants.
What Makes Florida Tickseed Special
Florida tickseed is a true Florida native – and we mean truly Florida! This delightful wildflower is found nowhere else in the world except the Sunshine State. As a perennial forb (that’s a fancy way of saying a soft-stemmed flowering plant that comes back year after year), it’s perfectly adapted to Florida’s unique climate and growing conditions.
The plant produces charming daisy-like flowers with bright yellow petals that seem to glow in the landscape. These cheerful blooms appear from spring through fall, providing consistent color when many other plants are taking a break from the Florida heat and humidity.
Where Florida Tickseed Grows Naturally
This endemic species calls Florida home, particularly thriving in the central and southern regions of the state. You’ll find it growing naturally in wet prairies, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and streams.
Perfect for Water-Loving Gardens
Here’s where Florida tickseed really shines – it’s classified as an obligate wetland plant, meaning it almost always occurs in wetlands. This makes it absolutely perfect for:
- Rain gardens that collect stormwater runoff
- Bioswales and drainage areas
- Pond and stream edges
- Native wetland gardens
- Areas with consistently moist to wet soil
If you’ve been struggling with a persistently soggy spot in your yard, Florida tickseed might be exactly what you need!
Growing Conditions and Care
Florida tickseed is surprisingly easy to grow once you understand its preferences:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Wet to consistently moist soils; tolerates standing water
- Hardiness zones: 8b-10a (perfect for Florida’s climate)
- Maintenance: Very low once established
The key to success is giving this plant the moisture it craves. Unlike many garden plants that prefer well-draining soil, Florida tickseed actually thrives in wet conditions that would cause other plants to develop root rot.
Planting and Care Tips
Getting started with Florida tickseed is straightforward:
- Plant in spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate
- Choose the wettest, most challenging spot in your garden
- Space plants according to your supplier’s recommendations
- Water regularly until established, then let nature take over
- No fertilizer needed – this tough native thrives in natural conditions
Once established, Florida tickseed is remarkably low-maintenance. It’s adapted to Florida’s natural wet-dry cycles and will generally take care of itself with minimal intervention from you.
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
As a native Florida plant, Florida tickseed has co-evolved with local wildlife and provides important ecological benefits. The bright yellow flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the long blooming season. By planting Florida tickseed, you’re helping support the local ecosystem and providing food sources for pollinators.
Is Florida Tickseed Right for Your Garden?
Florida tickseed is an excellent choice if you:
- Live in central or southern Florida
- Have a consistently wet or soggy area in your landscape
- Want to support native wildlife and pollinators
- Prefer low-maintenance plants
- Are creating a native plant or rain garden
However, this plant might not be the best fit if you have well-draining soil and can’t provide consistent moisture. Remember, Florida tickseed is happiest with wet feet!
Finding Florida Tickseed
When shopping for Florida tickseed, look for plants from reputable native plant nurseries that can guarantee the plants are responsibly sourced. As a Florida endemic species, it’s important to support conservation efforts by choosing nursery-grown plants rather than wild-collected specimens.
Florida tickseed offers Florida gardeners a unique opportunity to grow a plant that exists nowhere else on Earth while creating habitat for local wildlife. If you have a wet spot that’s been challenging to plant, this cheerful native might be exactly what you’ve been looking for!
