Coreopsis auriculata L.

Photograph courtesy of Univ. of Georgia Herbarium. Copyright Dept. of Bot any, Univ. of Georgia, Athens. All rights reserved.

Common names: tickseed, mouse ear, auricled tickseed

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IDENTIFICATION

Coreopsis auriculata was first described in the 18th century by Linnaeus. According to the Index Kewensis, Linnaeus's description of Coreopsis auriculata is located in one of the editions of Species Plantarum. It was published around 1753 and I was unable to locate the work. Most of his earlier described plants, probably including this one, do not have an original holotype. This herbacious perennial is thoroughly described in Small's Manual of the Southeastern Flora and more recently in Radford, Ahles & Bell's Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. According to the more recent of the two sources, Coreopsis auriculata usually grows 1-6 dm tall. It is characterized as "more or less pubescent" by Small. The leaf-blades are elliptic to ovate, 1-7 cm in length, and 1-3.5cm in width. Petioles can get up to 15 cm long. The beautiful rays that are characteristic of this species are a golden yellow. They can be 1.5-3 cm long and 0.8-1.4 cm wide. One very distinctive feature of Coreopsis auriculata is described by the Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas as "conspicuously toothed." Both of the previously described scientific references are wonderful identification keys. The most recent one by Radford, Ahles & Bell is more thorough.

How to Encounter

Coreopsis auriculata is not too hard to find, especially in the southeastern region of the United States. I would look along roadsides or at the edge of woodlands and probably in many fields. This perennial is commonly found between the months of April and June. As long as there is plenty of sun and sandy soil this species should be lingering close by!

Natural History

According to Laura Martin's Southern Wildflowers, the genus Coreopsis reproduces by seeds. These seeds have tiny projecting hairs that increase their chances of being carried off from the plant. The seeds easily attach to the fur of animals and the clothing of people passing by. I also found a web site to corroborate this method of reproduction of the genus to the actual species as well. At this same site, Percoreo. University of Vermont, it also recommended reproduction by division. This is simply allowing the plant to reach adulthood and cutting a desired section, which would include part of the root system, and replanting. Propogation with the use of cuttings is also suggested. These last two methods would be useful for cultivating Coreopsis auriculata in a personal garden. This wildflower is often used along edges of herbaceous gardens and as groundcovers (Martin 1989, page 150).

Coreopsis auriculata has a moderate to fast growth rate. According to both of the previous key references, this perennial enjoys sunny areas that offer well-drained soil. For example, this species would prefer sandy areas verses locations that contain an abundance of clay. Coreopsis auriculata flourishes in the months of April, May, and June. It is found in woodlands, thickets,and along roadsides (Small1933, page 1448; Radford, Ahles, & Bell 1964, page 352).