Georgia Tickseed

coreopsis nudata

The Georgia Tickseed (Coreopsis nudata) is an exquisite and rare perennial wildflower native to the wetlands of the southeastern United States. While most species in the Coreopsis genus are famous for their brilliant yellow petals, this remarkable plant stands out with its beautiful pink to lavender-purple blossoms encircling a bright yellow central disk. Rising elegantly on slender, rush-like stems, it brings a splash of delicate pastel color to the acidic, waterlogged soils of pine savannas and bogs. Its unique morphology, including almost completely leafless stems, helps it survive and stand out in crowded wetland ecosystems. Learn to recognize Georgia Tickseed in the wild using the Snappit field guide app.

Habitat: Found in wet pine savannas, acidic bogs, flatwoods, and roadside ditches of the southeastern United States coastal plain.

Appearance

Georgia Tickseed features striking daisy-like flower heads measuring about 5 to 7 centimeters across, with pale pink to lavender-purple ray florets surrounding a golden-yellow center. The plant grows on tall, wiry, dark green stems that are mostly naked and rush-like, with only a few tiny, inconspicuous leaves near the base. It can grow up to 120 centimeters tall, swaying gently above surrounding grasses and sedges in its boggy habitats.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusCoreopsis

Georgia Tickseed

Interesting facts

Its seeds are small, flattened, and curved, resembling tiny ticks, which is how the genus Coreopsis earned the common name 'Tickseed'.

The species name 'nudata' translates to 'naked' in Latin, referring to its distinctive lack of leaves along the tall stem.

Unlike almost all other Coreopsis species, which are bright yellow, the Georgia Tickseed uniquely blooms in shades of pink and lavender.

Special abilities

It possesses rush-like, virtually leafless stems that contain chlorophyll, allowing the plant to perform photosynthesis directly through its stem to maximize energy production in boggy environments.

The roots are specially adapted to survive in waterlogged, anaerobic soils where typical plants would suffer from root rot due to a lack of oxygen.

Its flowers feature invisible ultraviolet patterns that direct bees and butterflies straight to the nectar-rich yellow center.

Measurements & details

Length: 60-120 cm
Lifespan: 3-8 years
Incubation: 14-30 days

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, the Georgia Tickseed manufactures its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, supplemented by nutrients absorbed from acidic bog soils.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Soil minerals

Foraging Method

Photosynthesis

Ecological connections

mutualism

American Bumblebee

Bombus pensylvanicus

Pollinated by native bumblebees searching for nectar and pollen during the spring bloom.

eaten by

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

The seeds are harvested and eaten by small granivorous wetland birds in late summer.

competitor

Hooded Pitcherplant

Sarracenia minor

Competes for sunlight and acidic soil space in marshy microhabitats.

Traits

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Also known as

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Georgia Tickseed?

The easiest way to identify Georgia Tickseed is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Georgia Tickseed?

60-120 cm

How long does Georgia Tickseed live?

3-8 years

What does Georgia Tickseed eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, the Georgia Tickseed manufactures its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, supplemented by nutrients absorbed from acidic bog soils.

Where is Georgia Tickseed usually found?

Found in wet pine savannas, acidic bogs, flatwoods, and roadside ditches of the southeastern United States coastal plain.

How does Georgia Tickseed hunt?

Photosynthesis

How long do Georgia Tickseed eggs take to hatch?

14-30 days