Stillman’s Tickseed: A Rare California Native Worth Knowing About
If you’re drawn to California’s native wildflowers, you might have stumbled across the name Stillman’s tickseed (Coreopsis stillmanii). This annual forb is one of those special plants that reminds us how diverse and unique our native flora truly is – though it’s not exactly what you’d call a common garden center find.
What Makes Stillman’s Tickseed Special
Stillman’s tickseed belongs to the beloved Coreopsis family, known for their cheerful daisy-like flowers and easy-going nature. As an annual forb, this plant completes its entire life cycle in one growing season, sprouting from seed, flowering, producing new seeds, and then dying back – all within a single year.
You might also see this plant listed under its botanical synonym, Leptosyne stillmanii, in older botanical references, but Coreopsis stillmanii is the currently accepted name.
Where Does It Call Home
This California native has a rather exclusive address – it’s found only within the Golden State. Unlike some of its Coreopsis cousins that have spread far and wide, Stillman’s tickseed has stayed put in its native California habitats.
The Conservation Reality Check
Here’s where things get a bit serious. Stillman’s tickseed carries a Global Conservation Status of S3?, which essentially means its conservation status is undefined but potentially of concern. In the plant world, this is a yellow flag that suggests we should tread carefully.
What does this mean for you as a gardener? If you’re interested in growing this particular species, it’s crucial to source it responsibly. This means:
- Never collecting seeds or plants from wild populations
- Only purchasing from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate from ethically sourced material
- Checking with local native plant societies for guidance
- Consider growing other, more common Coreopsis species instead
Growing Stillman’s Tickseed: What We Know
Unfortunately, specific cultivation information for Stillman’s tickseed is quite limited – a common challenge with rare native species that haven’t been widely studied or grown. As an annual, it would theoretically complete its life cycle in one season, but without detailed growing guides, success isn’t guaranteed.
Based on what we know about related California Coreopsis species, it would likely prefer:
- Well-draining soils
- Full sun exposure
- Minimal summer watering once established
- Direct seeding in fall for spring germination
Should You Grow It
Here’s the honest answer: probably not, unless you’re an experienced native plant enthusiast working with conservation groups. The combination of limited growing information and uncertain conservation status makes this a challenging choice for most gardeners.
Instead, consider these more readily available California native Coreopsis alternatives that offer similar beauty with better-documented growing requirements:
- Coreopsis gigantea (Giant coreopsis)
- Coreopsis maritima (Sea dahlia)
- Coreopsis californica (California coreopsis)
The Bigger Picture
Stillman’s tickseed represents something important in native gardening – the reminder that not every native plant is meant for every garden. Some species are best appreciated in their natural habitats or in specialized conservation settings.
By understanding and respecting the conservation status of plants like Stillman’s tickseed, we become better stewards of our native flora. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do for a rare plant is to admire it from afar while choosing more common natives for our gardens.
If you’re passionate about supporting California’s native plant diversity, consider getting involved with local native plant societies, habitat restoration projects, or botanical gardens that work with rare species conservation. That’s where plants like Stillman’s tickseed can truly thrive and be appreciated responsibly.
