FLOWER OF THE WEEK AT SOPCHOPPY DEPOT PARK

Florida tickseed

By LYNN ARTZ, DAVID RODDENBERRY, and SANDY TEDDER

Florida is home to a dozen Coreopsis species, all considered Florida’s state wildflower. Coreopsis floridana is one of our tallest native Coreopsis with perhaps the largest flowers. The bright yellow daisy-like flowers of this wetland perennial have dark brown centers and measure 2 inches across. Found only in Florida (endemic), Coreopsis floridana grows 2-4 feet tall in wet pinelands, along cypress swamps, and in wet to moist ditches. Commonly called Florida tickseed, this species blooms in the fall to early winter and may flower year-round. The flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies and an insect source for birds. Florida tickseed is nearly identical to coastalplain tickseed (Coreopsis gladiata) but has shorter, more triangular bracts beneath its flowers. Coreopsis floridana is blooming now in the pond at Sopchoppy Depot Park.