Coreopsis Oligoflora Klatt

Overview:

Coreopsis oligoflora Klatt is a herbaceous perennial that is native to the southeastern United States. It is commonly known as Few-flowered tickseed or Sunshine tickseed. The scientific name of the plant, Coreopsis oligoflora, is derived from the Greek words "koris," meaning bug or tick, and "opsis," meaning like or resembling, due to the seed's resemblance to ticks.

Appearance:

This plant grows up to 12 inches in height and has narrow, lanceolate leaves that measure about 1-3 inches long. The leaves are greenish-gray and are arranged opposite each other on the stem. The plant produces flowers in its second year of growth, generally in late spring or early summer. The flowers are bright yellow with a brown center, resembling a daisy. The flowers are about 1 inch in diameter and grow solitary at the end of long stems.

Origin:

Coreopsis oligoflora Klatt is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows in woodland clearings, along roadsides, and in fields. The plant is commonly found in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama.

Uses:

Coreopsis oligoflora Klatt is mainly used for ornamental purposes. The plant provides a bright and cheerful display of yellow flowers that can brighten up any garden or landscape. It is also a popular choice for wildflower gardens due to its low maintenance requirements and ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Some people also use tickseed medicinally, primarily in the form of herbal tea or tincture, to treat various ailments such as respiratory problems, fever, and menstrual cramps. However, it is essential to note that tickseed is not a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be used as such.

Light Requirements

Coreopsis oligoflora Klatt thrives in full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant's growth can be enhanced by exposing it to as much sunlight as possible. If the plant is growing in an area with partial shade, it might elongate towards the sun to receive more light.

Temperature Requirements

Coreopsis oligoflora Klatt grows well in a wide range of temperatures. The plant can tolerate freezing temperatures. However, the leaves might fall off when there is too much exposure to frost. During the summer, the ideal temperature range for this plant is between 65°F and 75°F. Its growth is affected by temperatures above 80°F, and its development slows down. When the temperatures reach above 90°F, the plant might begin to wilt.

Soil Requirements

The plant grows well in well-draining soil. The soil should have a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Coreopsis oligoflora Klatt does not require a lot of moisture, so the soil must not retain too much water. The plant can survive in dry soil conditions, but the ideal growth occurs in moist soil. The soil texture should be sandy or loamy, and it requires organic matter to promote growth. Adding a layer of mulch around the plant helps to conserve moisture and controls weed growth around the plant, ensuring that the plant has a better chance of thriving.

Cultivation methods for Coreopsis Oligoflora Klatt

Coreopsis Oligoflora Klatt is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial plant that is native to grasslands and woodlands in North America. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, sandy soil but can also tolerate other soil types.

To cultivate this plant, start by planting the seeds or young plants in the spring or fall. Sow the seeds about 1/8 inch deep and keep the soil moist but not wet. The plant should start germinating in approximately 10-20 days. Maintain a distance of about 18-24 inches between the plants.

Coreopsis Oligoflora Klatt can also be propagated through division. This is done by digging out the plant in the early spring or fall and dividing the root clumps. Each new plant should have its roots and at least one stem.

Watering Needs

Coreopsis Oligoflora Klatt is drought-tolerant and does well with infrequent watering. When watering, it is important to water deeply but avoid waterlogging the soil. Young plants need to be watered more frequently until they are established.

Fertilization

Coreopsis Oligoflora Klatt is a low-maintenance plant that does not need a lot of fertilization. However, it may benefit from feeding with a balanced fertilizer in the early spring and mid-summer. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant as this can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.

Pruning

Coreopsis Oligoflora Klatt does not require much pruning. However, you can deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms throughout the growing season. In the fall, cut back the stems to a few inches above the soil level to keep the plant compact and tidy.

Propagation of Coreopsis oligoflora Klatt

Coreopsis oligoflora Klatt, commonly known as Tall Tickseed or Prairie Coreopsis, is a perennial plant native to North America. The plant produces yellow flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer. They grow in clusters and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Propagation involves two main methods, which are:

Seed Propagation

The easiest and most common way to propagate Coreopsis oligoflora Klatt. The best time to sow the seed is during fall or early spring. The steps to follow include:

• Collect the seeds from mature plants in late summer or early fall.
• Clean the seeds by removing the debris.
• Sow the seeds in well-drained soil, which is moist but not waterlogged.
• Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 10-14 days.
• Thin out the seedlings if necessary, leaving only the strongest plants.

Division Propagation

Another method of propagating Coreopsis oligoflora Klatt is through division. This method is most effective during late summer or early fall right after the blooming season. The steps to follow include:

• Select a healthy plant and dig up the root ball carefully.
• Divide the plant by pulling apart the root ball into multiple sections. Each section should have healthy roots and shoots.
• Plant the divided sections immediately in the ground or in pots with well-draining soil.
• Water the plants regularly until roots have become established.

Propagation of Coreopsis oligoflora Klatt helps to create new plants without incurring additional costs. The propagated plants also offer an excellent supply of pollinators for the garden.

Disease Management

Coreopsis oligoflora Klatt, commonly known as Tickseed, is prone to certain diseases such as:

• Powdery Mildew: a fungal disease that results in a white powdery substance on the surface of the leaves.
• Septoria Leaf Spot: another fungus that results in small, dark brown spots on leaves, which can merge together and become large blotches.
• Botrytis Blight: a disease caused by a fungus that results in brown spots and grayish mold on the flowers and leaves.

To manage these diseases, it is crucial to maintain good cultural practices such as:

• Planting disease-resistant varieties.
• Avoiding overhead watering, especially at nighttime when it can promote fungal growth.
• Practicing proper weed control and keeping the garden clean and free of debris.
• Pruning and thinning plants to encourage good air circulation and reduce humidity around leaves.
• Applying fungicides as a preventative measure.

Pest Management

Coreopsis oligoflora Klatt is also susceptible to certain pests such as:

• Aphids: tiny insects that can cause curling and yellowing of leaves.
• Spider Mites: tiny arachnids that cause leaves to look stippled and yellow.
• Thrips: slender insects that can cause flower buds to deform and open poorly.

To manage these pests, consider the following:

• Attracting natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to help control aphids.
• Using a strong spray of water to dislodge aphids and spider mites from the plant.
• Practicing proper cultural practices such as removing plant debris and weeds to reduce habitat for pests.
• Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are generally safe and effective options for controlling pests.