Overview
Bidens bidentoides (Nutt.) Britt., commonly known as the Spanish needles, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America, specifically to the south-central and southeastern regions of the United States and Mexico.
General Appearance
The Spanish needles plant can grow up to 2-4ft tall and produces small yellow flowers that bloom from midsummer to frost. The leaves are oppositely arranged, lance-shaped, and finely toothed along the edges. The stem is slender, branching, and hairy with woody bases. The seeds of this plant are barbed, enabling them to stick to clothing, fur, and other surfaces, making it easier to spread the plant's range.
Common Names
Bidens bidentoides is known and referred to by several common names, including Common beggartick, Spanish needles, devil's sticktight, Texas beggartick, and tickseed sunflower.
Uses
The Spanish needles plant has several medicinal uses due to its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. It was traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and as a pain reliever. The plant is also a rich source of essential oils and is used in making aromatherapy oils.
However, it is important to note that the plant may cause skin irritation or allergies in some people. Moreover, the plant is considered invasive in some regions and may compete for resources with native plant species.
Light requirements
Bidens bidentoides is generally a sun-loving plant, thriving in full sun conditions. It typically requires four to six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can tolerate some shade intermittently during the day.
Temperature requirements
Bidens bidentoides grows well in warm to hot temperatures, ranging from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant typically needs temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at all times, but below 32 degrees Fahrenheit as it cannot tolerate frost. It needs a well-draining soil that does not retain water in winter, as this can lead to fungal infections.
Soil requirements
This plant prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and moist but well-drained. It may tolerate soil with poor fertility, but regular fertilization in such cases may be required. The pH level of the soil where Bidens bidentoides is grown should be slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 6.5. It can also grow in sandy, clay, or loamy soil types.
Cultivation Method
Bidens bidentoides (Nutt.) Britt. requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions and can tolerate a wide range of soils, including damp soils. Plantation can be done through seeds or vegetatively by division.
Watering Needs
Bidens bidentoides (Nutt.) Britt. requires moderate watering, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During the hotter months, the plant may require frequent watering, while reduced watering can be done in the colder months. Ensure to water at the base of the plant to minimize chances of waterlogging and disease susceptibility.
Fertilization
Bidens bidentoides (Nutt.) Britt. can benefit from regular application of fertilizers, specifically slow-release fertilizers. Applications should be done during the growing season to provide the nutrients required for the plant's healthy growth. Foliar feeding can also be done using a balanced fertilizer to supplement soil nutrition.
Pruning
Bidens bidentoides (Nutt.) Britt. is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning. Deadheading is recommended to encourage continuous blooming during the growing season. Regular pruning, especially of the plant's lower foliage, helps improve air circulation and reduce disease susceptibility.
Propagation of Bidens bidentoides (Nutt.) Britt.
Bidens bidentoides (Nutt.) Britt., commonly known as Spanish needles, is a perennial plant species native to North America. It is famous for its attractive, bright yellow flowers, and fern-like leaves. Propagation of this plant is quite easy and straightforward, and the following are some of the methods that you can use to propagate Bidens bidentoides.
Seed propagation
The most common and easiest way to propagate Bidens bidentoides is through seeds. Collect matured seeds from the plant by carefully removing the seed head and allowing it to dry. Once dry, store the seeds in cool and dry conditions. In early spring, you can sow the seeds in soil or seed-starting mix. Bidens bidentoides usually germinates in two to four weeks when exposed to bright sunlight and warmed temperatures, but make sure to water the plant adequately and do not let the soil dry out.
Cuttings propagation
An alternative method of propagating Bidens bidentoides is through cuttings. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems that are several inches long, and make diagonal cuts below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting, leaving two or three at the top for photosynthesis. Dip the cuttings' end into rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a pot or directly in the soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in bright, indirect sunlight. Within four to six weeks, the cutting will start growing roots.
Division propagation
Division propagation is another effective method of multiplying Bidens bidentoides. Typically undertaken during spring, it involves gently uprooting the plant and severing the root systems into small sections, each with a shoot or bud. You can then plant the cuttings in prepared soil at the same depth as the original plant. Water the cuttings in and ensure they establish roots before planting into the garden.
With proper care, these propagation methods are sure to give you a vibrant and thriving Bidens bidentoides plant in a short amount of time.
Disease Management
Bidens bidentoides is generally a pest and disease-resistant plant; however, it can still fall prey to certain diseases and infections. Some common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is characterized by the appearance of small, circular spots on the leaves of the plant. It is caused by a fungus and can be managed by removing the affected leaves and applying a fungicide.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by a fungal infection that manifests as a powdery white coating on the leaves of the plant. It can be managed by removing the affected leaves and applying a fungicide.
- Rust: This disease is caused by a fungal infection and appears as rusty-orange spots on the leaves of the plant. It can be managed by removing the affected leaves and applying a fungicide.
Prevention is always preferable to treatment. You can prevent diseases by maintaining a clean, weed-free garden, avoiding overwatering, and providing adequate air circulation. If the disease has already set in, it is essential to act quickly to prevent its spread to other parts of the plant.
Pest Management
Bidens bidentoides is a plant that is typically resistant to pests. However, some common pests that may affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt. Aphids can be managed by removing them from the plant with a strong stream of water, applying insecticidal soap, or introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can chew through the leaves, causing significant damage. They can be managed by manually removing them from the plant or applying an insecticide.
- Mites: These tiny insects can cause damage by sucking the sap from the leaves. They can be managed by applying insecticidal soap or introducing natural predators such as mite-eating Ladybugs.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by chewing through the leaves. They can be managed by trapping them in beer-filled traps or by applying an iron phosphate-based slug bait.
Preventing pests can be done by frequently inspecting the plant and maintaining a clean garden. If you identify a pest problem, act quickly to prevent its spread to other plants. You can also consider introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, to your garden, as they will naturally control common pests.
