FLOWER OF THE WEEK AT SOPCHOPPY DEPOT PARK

Florida Tickseed


By LYNN ARTZ and DAVID RODDENBERRY

Coreopsis is Florida’s state flower. Florida tickseed (Coreopsis floridana) is one of 12 Coreopsis species native to Florida. Florida tickseed is found only in Florida. Present throughout the state, except the northern Panhandle, Florida tickseed is most common in central and south Florida. This perennial grows 2-4’ tall and is a robust bloomer in the late fall. Its bright yellow flowers have a distinct deep golden hue. The sunny blooms attract pollinators, especially butterflies. One of our taller Coreopsis species with larger flowers, it is often overlooked as sunflowers are blooming at the same time. Florida tickseed occurs naturally along wetland edges and in roadside ditches. This member of the aster or daisy family is blooming now along the pond edge at Sopchoppy Depot Par