Overview:
Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as Arizona beggarticks or golden tickseed. This plant is native to North America and can be found in various regions from Arizona to Montana and east to Virginia. The plant is of great significance to Native American communities, who have historically used it for medicinal purposes.
Appearance:
The plant has a height of about 5 cm to 1 meter, with stems that are succulent, erect, and branched. The leaves are alternate, simple, and serrate. They have a lanceolate shape, measure 4-10 cm long, and are arranged in a spiral manner. The flowers are yellow, and grow in heads that are 2-3 cm wide. The fruit is an achene with two awns or bristles that are about 1 cm long.
Uses:
Bidens aurea has several uses in traditional medicine. It has been used to soothe inflammations, treat infections, heal skin and external wounds, and to bring relief from coughs and colds. It is also used as a diuretic and to help reduce fevers. The plant has been experimented on and tested for its medicinal properties, which have also been documented by scholars. Additionally, the leaves and flowers of the plant are edible and are added to salads or used in tea. The plant is also used for ornamental purposes due to its yellow flowers, and it is a great addition to gardens and landscapes.
Growth Conditions for Bidens Aurea (Ait.) Sherff
Bidens Aurea is commonly known as Golden Tickseed or Tiquilia. It is a species of flowering plant that belongs to Asteraceae family. It is mostly found in the eastern and central regions of North America. Understanding the growth conditions of this plant will help in its proper cultivation.
Light Requirements
Bidens Aurea requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. The plant grows best in full sun. The minimum light requirement for the plant is six hours of sunlight per day. In shaded areas, the plant may not bloom, and it may not grow as tall as those exposed to sufficient sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens Aurea is a warm-weather plant. It grows best in warm temperatures with a range between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). The minimum temperature required for the plant is 60°F (15.5°C). The plant is not frost tolerant, and exposure to freezing temperatures will harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant does well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It grows best in loamy and sandy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. The pH range should be 6.0 - 7.5. The plant is moderately drought-tolerant, but its growth can be stunted in soils that are consistently too dry.
Water Requirements
The plant requires moderate watering. Bidens Aurea does well in soils that are consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering or watering inconsistently can cause root rot, leading to the plant's death. Watering early in the morning will allow the foliage to dry before nighttime.
Cultivation methods
Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff, commonly known as Arizona beggarticks or tickseed sunflower, is a perennial plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. To cultivate this plant successfully, prepare the planting site by removing weeds and excessive debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of 10-12 inches, then add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Sow the seeds in spring or fall, either directly into the soil or started indoors. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil, water, and keep the soil moist until seeds sprout.
Watering needs
Bidens aurea requires moderate watering, especially during the first few months of growth. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil moisture. Make sure that the soil is well-draining and does not become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering during the winter when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization
Bidens aurea thrives in nutrient-rich soils, so it benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season, following the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve soil fertility naturally.
Pruning
Bidens aurea does not require frequent pruning, but it benefits from occasional maintenance. Remove dead or diseased leaves and stems to promote new growth and prevent the spread of diseases. Pinch back the tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth. Cut back the plants to the ground in late fall or early spring to improve plant longevity and prepare for new growth.
Propagation of Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff
Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff, commonly known as golden tickseed sunflower, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to North America and is found in moist areas such as marshes, bogs, and swamps.
Propagation Methods
Bidens aurea can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Bidens aurea is through seeds. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix, and the pot should be placed in a warm and bright location. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as the plant prefers moist soil.
It is essential to keep the new plants under a grow light or in a sunny window, as they require plenty of light for optimal growth. Once the seedlings have developed a strong root system and several leaves, they can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the garden.
Propagation through Cuttings
Bidens aurea can also be propagated through stem cuttings. A healthy stem is cut from the parent plant, and the leaves on the lower half of the stem are removed. The cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be placed in a warm and bright location, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
After a few weeks, the cutting should have developed roots and can be transplanted to a larger pot or planted directly into the garden.
Propagation through Division
Bidens aurea can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the parent plant into several smaller plants, each with their own set of roots.
To divide the plant, carefully dig it up from the ground and separate the roots into smaller sections, making sure each section has a healthy root system. The newly divided plants can then be transplanted into pots or directly into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens Aurea (Ait.) Sherff
Bidens aurea (Ait.) Sherff, commonly known as Goldfields, is a herbaceous plant that is native to North America. It yields yellow flowers and has bright green foliage. It grows quickly and adapts well to a variety of conditions; as a result, it can attract various pests and diseases.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Bidens aurea is downy mildew. It is caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in moist environments. Symptoms include a powdery or fuzzy growth on the plant's stems and leaves. To manage downy mildew, it is essential to water the plant at the base and avoid getting its foliage wet. Fungicides can also be used to prevent and treat the disease.
Bidens aurea is also susceptible to leaf spot disease. It is caused by fungal pathogens that leave brown, black, or grey spots on the plant's foliage. To prevent leaf spot disease, remove any affected leaves and dispose of them to limit the spread of the fungus. Treat the plant with a fungicide to prevent further damage.
Common Pests
One common pest that affects Bidens aurea is aphids. They are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap and cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To control aphids, remove them manually, or spray the plant with insecticidal soap. It is also important to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, to help control aphid populations.
Another common pest that afflicts Bidens aurea is spider mites. They are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap and leave yellow spots on the leaves. To control spider mites, spray the plant with water to rinse them off, or use an insecticidal soap or miticide to kill them.
Conclusion
Bidens aurea is a beautiful and versatile plant that can be affected by various diseases and pests. It is important to monitor the plant regularly, remove any affected leaves, and treat it with appropriate fungicides or insecticides to manage these issues effectively.
