Cats & Dogs
Generally safeConsulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Tickseed
Coreopsis californica
Tickseed is a cheerful, daisy-like flowering plant often found in gardens and meadows. It is considered safe for pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
California CoreopsisCoreopsisCoreopsis californica
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Clumping herbaceous perennial
- Care
- Low
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered non-toxic. If your cat consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
None expected; however, consumption of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Tickseedis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Tickseed is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted botanical classification for Coreopsis californica.
Questions about Tickseed
Is Tickseed toxic to cats?
Tickseed (Coreopsis californica) is considered non-toxic to cats. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm if your cat nibbles on it.
What happens if my cat eats Tickseed?
No toxic effects are expected. If your cat eats a large amount of the fibrous plant material, mild vomiting or diarrhea may occur due to the bulk of plant matter, but this typically resolves on its own.
How much Tickseed would make a cat sick?
Small nibbles are unlikely to cause any symptoms at all. Digestive upset is only a concern if your cat consumes a significant quantity of plant material, and even then the effects are expected to be mild and temporary.
When should I call the vet if my cat ate Tickseed?
A brief taste or small bite does not require a vet call. If your cat has eaten a large amount and is showing persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress that do not improve within a few hours, contact your veterinarian.
Is Tickseed (Coreopsis) toxic to dogs?
Tickseed is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is generally safe, with no toxic principles identified that would cause serious harm.
What happens if my dog eats Tickseed flowers or leaves?
Most dogs that nibble on Tickseed will have no reaction at all. Consuming a large amount of the fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the bulk of plant matter, not any toxic compound.
How much Tickseed would cause problems for a dog?
Small amounts are not expected to cause any symptoms. Problems, if they occur, are linked to consuming a significant quantity of plant material and are limited to minor GI upset — not poisoning. If your dog eats a large amount and shows persistent vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian.
Do I need to remove Tickseed from my garden if I have dogs?
Tickseed does not need to be removed on safety grounds — it is non-toxic to dogs. That said, non-toxic does not mean harmless in unlimited quantity; discourage your dog from grazing on any plant in large amounts to avoid GI upset.
Same genus
More from the Coreopsis genus
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Lemon Balm is a fragrant, perennial herb in the mint family often grown for its culinary and medicinal uses. It is generally considered safe for pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Garden cosmos is a daisy-like annual usually treated as a pet-safe flowering option, though any large plant ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Calathea
Calathea spp.
Calathea are popular tropical houseplants known for their striking, patterned foliage and rhythmic leaf movement. They are considered safe for households with pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Dwarf Date Palm
Phoenix acaulis
The Dwarf Date Palm is a slow-growing, stemless palm species native to the grasslands of India. It is widely appreciated for its compact, architectural foliage that mimics the appearance of larger date palms in a miniature form.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
