Coreopsis rosea - Pink Tickseed

Morphology/Growth Habits: This is a special wildflower in the Coreopsis genus, as it is the only one with pink flowers! Flowers have bright pink petals and yellow centers, complementing each other beautifully. Slender stems with fine, dense foliage resembling C. verticillata. They grow upright and form bushy clumps. Spreads by rhizome and seed. Over time, this wildflower may form rhizomatous patches/mats.

Height: 1 ft

Light: Full Sun-Part Sun

Moisture: Wet

Bloom color: Pink

Bloom time: June-August

Habitat/Best Environments: Endemic to New York State and typically found in marshes and stream banks in coastal plains. It is endangered in many parts of its original habitat, including most of Canada and parts of the US due to shoreline development and invasive species. C. rosea, unlike other Coreopsis species, should have consistently moist and well-drained soil to thrive. It doesn’t tolerate drought or dry soils well.

Ecological relationships: This wildflower is an important nectar source for a variety of pollinators and birds eat its seeds in the fall. Larval host plant for multiple moth/butterfly species, including the Silvery Checkerspot and the Wavy-Lined Emerald Moth.

In New York State, C. rosea is classified as Vulnerable.

*The flowerheads are edible for humans.

*Please soil test and do proper research before growing a plant for human consumption.