Showy Tickseed is a tall (3–6 ft) native annual with abundant bright yellow flowers. It grows well in full sun or part shade and prefers moist soils, such as wet fields, marsh edges, ditches, or low ground.
 
This plant is self-seeding and popular in wildflower meadows, native gardens, and roadside plantings. Its seeds naturally spread by attaching to fur or clothing and provide food for quail, ducks, and other wildlife.