Description of Bidens Aurea (Ait.) Sherff Var. Wrightii (Gray) Sherff
Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. wrightii (Gray) Sherff, also known as Wright’s beggarticks, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to the US, particularly in the southwestern states such as Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, as well as parts of Mexico.
Common Names
Aside from Wright’s beggarticks, this plant is also known by other common names such as yellow beggarticks, golden tickseed, yellow cosmos, and even Arizona beggar tick.
General Appearance
Wright’s beggarticks is an annual herb that typically grows up to 3 feet tall. The stems are slender and branching, with leaves that are opposite, pinnate, and lanceolate in shape, measuring around 2-6 cm in length. The plant produces small, yellow flowers (around 1cm in diameter) that grow in clusters at the tips of the branches, usually blooming from late summer to early fall. These flowers are a great source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Uses
The plant has some traditional medicinal uses, with some Native American tribes using it to treat fever, colds, and pneumonia. The leaves and stems can be used to make a tea that is said to help with respiratory ailments, stomach problems, and to boost the immune system. In addition, Wright’s beggarticks is also grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and tolerant nature to different growing conditions. It can be grown in gardens, meadows, or even in disturbed areas such as roadways and fields.
Light Requirements
Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. wrightii (Gray) Sherff prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to reach its full potential.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. wrightii (Gray) Sherff is native to warm regions and can tolerate high temperatures. It can grow in USDA zones 8-11, which have a minimum average temperature range of 10-40°F.
Soil Requirements
Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. wrightii (Gray) Sherff prefers loamy or sandy soils that are well-drained. It does not grow well in soils that are waterlogged or heavy in clay. The soil pH range should be 5.5-7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Adding organic matter to the soil will improve its quality.
Cultivation of Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. wrightii (Gray) Sherff
Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. wrightii (Gray) Sherff, commonly known as Wright's beggarticks, is a bushy annual plant that is native to North America. It grows up to 2-3 feet tall and can spread up to 1-2 feet. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade and grows well in well-drained soils. The plant is easy to cultivate and care for and is ideal for the beginner gardener.
Watering Needs of Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. wrightii (Gray) Sherff
When it comes to watering Wright's beggarticks, it is essential to note that the plant prefers moist but well-drained soil. The plant requires frequent watering during the growing season, especially during the hot and dry summer months. It is recommended to water the plant when the top inch of soil has dried out. The plant prefers a consistent and even level of moisture, but care should be taken not to overwater as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. wrightii (Gray) Sherff
Wright's beggarticks can benefit from regular applications of fertilizer throughout the growing season. The plant responds well to a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, applied every 4-6 weeks. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning of Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. wrightii (Gray) Sherff
Pruning is an essential part of maintaining the health and appearance of Wright's beggarticks. Regular pruning can help to promote bushier growth, prevent the plant from becoming leggy, and encourage better flower production. Deadheading the spent flowers can also help to prolong the flowering period. It is recommended to prune the plant in early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation of Bidens Aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. Wrightii (Gray) Sherff
Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. wrightii (Gray) Sherff, commonly referred to as Wright's bur marigold or Wright's beggarticks, is a member of the Asteraceae family. Propagation is the process of multiplying and reproducing plants. This is commonly done through vegetative and sexual methods to produce more plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation refers to asexual reproduction that involves the use of plant parts such as stems, roots, and leaves.
For Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. wrightii (Gray) Sherff, stem cuttings are commonly used for vegetative propagation. Cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and should have at least two nodes. Remove any leaves from the lower part of the cutting and dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone to stimulate rooting. Place the cuttings in a well-draining and moist potting mix, cover the pot with a plastic bag, and keep it in a warm and bright spot with indirect sunlight. After about 4 to 8 weeks, the cuttings should have formed roots and new shoots, and can be transplanted into individual pots.
Sexual Propagation
Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. wrightii (Gray) Sherff can be propagated through sexual methods like seed propagation. Seeds are formed after the flowering period and can be collected from the parent plant. To ensure the seeds are viable, collect them when they have turned brown and have dried out on the plant. Spread the seeds out in a dry and well-ventilated area and store them in a cool and dark place until planting.
For planting, the seeds can be sown directly into well-draining soil in a location that receives bright and indirect sunlight. Dig small holes about 1 to 2 inches deep and place the seeds in the hole. Cover the seeds with soil and water them gently. Germination should occur within 7 to 14 days.
Propagation of Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. wrightii (Gray) Sherff through vegetative and sexual methods can be readily done to ensure more plants are available for gardening and landscaping purposes.
Disease Management
Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. wrightii (Gray) Sherff is generally resistant to diseases, but some common diseases can still affect the plant and reduce its growth and yield. Here are some diseases and their possible management strategies:
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a common disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy affected plant parts. Avoid overhead irrigation to prevent the spread of disease. Apply a fungicide to protect healthy leaves.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungi and can cause wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. Remove and destroy affected plants and soil. Apply a fungicide to protect healthy plants.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, improve air circulation and remove diseased plant parts. Apply a fungicide according to the instructions on the label.
Pest Management
Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff var. wrightii (Gray) Sherff is generally resistant to pests, but some common pests can still damage the plant. Here are some pests and their possible management strategies:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant. To manage aphids, release natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings. Spray the plant with a solution of water and dish soap. Avoid over-fertilizing which can attract aphids.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that can eat leaves and stems. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or spray the plant with an organic insecticide. Use pheromone traps to capture adult moths.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a solution of water and insecticidal soap. Use a high-pressure water spray to knock off the mites. Release natural predators like predatory mites or ladybugs.
