Introduction
Bidens bracteosa Sherff is a plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is a native plant to the western United States and can be found in many states such as Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Common Names
Bidens bracteosa Sherff has several common names such as Bigelow's beggarticks, tall beggarticks, and bracted beggarticks. The plant acquired the name "beggarticks" due to the tiny barbed seeds that attach to clothing and animal fur.
Appearance
The Bidens bracteosa Sherff plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and forms a spreading colony. It has a slender, erect stem which is often reddish in color and branched in the upper regions. The plant's leaves are simple and narrowly ovate with a rough texture. Moving to its flowers, the Bidens bracteosa Sherff bears several golden yellow blooms that are approximately 1 inch in diameter. The blooms have a central disk surrounded by 7 to 13 petals. The plant is generally considered to be a showy and interesting addition to a landscape or garden.
Uses
The Bidens bracteosa Sherff has several uses, both industrial and medicinal. In indigenous cultures, the plant has been used to ease the symptoms of food poisoning, nausea, and fever. Furthermore, the plant has been used to protect against several inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, diarrhea, and bronchitis. In the industrial sector, the plant's seeds contain a chemical compound called saponin that has great potential in soap and detergent manufacturing as it acts as a natural surfactant.
Conclusion
Bidens bracteosa Sherff is a valuable plant species that can be used both medicinally and industrially. Its showy and unique appearance makes it an excellent choice for landscaping and gardening projects as well.
Light Requirements
Bidens bracteosa Sherff thrives in full sunlight. As a result, it is best to place the plant in a location that receives at least six hours of sunshine per day. However, if you live in a region with intense heat or arid conditions, partial shade can improve the plant's overall growth.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens bracteosa Sherff can grow in a variety of temperatures. The plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can endure temperature drops as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, sustained extreme heat or cold damages the plant, hence necessitating its placement in a suitable environment.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil type for Bidens bracteosa Sherff is moist and rich in nutrients. The plant tolerates a range of soil pH levels, but the optimum range is between 6.0 and 7.8. Sandy soils with adequate drainage are ideal for this species since they allow for excellent aeration and moisture retention. Additionally, improving soil quality with organic matter enhances plant growth and overall health.
Cultivation
Bidens bracteosa Sherff is a plant that prefers a well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to a wide range of soil types. The best time to propagate is during spring or fall, using stem cuttings or seeds.
Watering needs
Bidens bracteosa Sherff prefers moderate watering. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. During the hottest months, it may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
The plant doesn't require much fertilization. Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can cause an excessive amount of foliage instead of flowers.
Pruning
Bidens bracteosa Sherff doesn't require much pruning. However, it's best to remove spent flowers to encourage re-flowering. Deadhead the plant by pinching or cutting off the faded flower heads, snipping the stem just below the base of the flower head. This will encourage new growth and bulk up the plant while keeping it tidy and attractive.
Propagation of Bidens bracteosa Sherff
The propagation of Bidens bracteosa Sherff can be accomplished through different methods, including seed propagation and stem cutting propagation. Both methods are straightforward and successful when done correctly.
Seed propagation
The most common way to propagate Bidens bracteosa Sherff is through seed propagation. This method is best done in the spring or summer, when temperatures are warm and favorable for growth. To begin, collect the seeds from the plant by harvesting the flower heads once they have turned brown. Collect the seeds from the flower heads by gently pulling on them, being careful not to crush them.
Once you have collected the seeds, prepare a seed tray by filling it with potting soil. Sow the seeds onto the soil surface and cover them lightly with more soil. Water the tray gently, being careful not to overwater. Place the tray in a warm, sunny spot, and keep the soil consistently moist. In a few weeks, the seeds should germinate, and you can transplant the seedlings into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Stem cutting propagation
Another option for propagating Bidens bracteosa Sherff is through stem cutting propagation. This method is best done during the late summer or early fall, when the plant is thriving and healthy. To begin, select a healthy stem from the plant and make a clean cut with a sharp, sterilized knife. Be sure to make the cut just above a node, where new growth will emerge.
Once you have made the cut, remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and plant it into a pot filled with moist potting soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a mini-greenhouse and place it in a warm, bright area, but out of direct sunlight. Mist the soil occasionally to keep it moist, being careful not to overwater.
In a few weeks, you should see new growth emerging from the stem. Once the roots have established, which will take a few months, you can transplant the new plant into a larger pot or directly into the garden. Stem cutting propagation is an excellent way to propagate Bidens bracteosa Sherff and is particularly useful for gardeners who want to increase their plant numbers quickly.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens Bracteosa Sherff
Bidens bracteosa Sherff, commonly known as bracted beggarticks, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. Like any other plant, it is vulnerable to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Bidens bracteosa Sherff and ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases are a common problem that can affect Bidens bracteosa Sherff. Some of the common fungal diseases are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew appears as white or gray powder-like substances on leaves and stems, while rust is characterized by orange or brown spots on leaves. Leaf spot causes irregular patches on the leaves and leads to premature leaf drop.
To manage fungal diseases, remove all the infected plant parts and dispose of them away from the garden. Ensure proper air circulation around the plant and keep the soil well-drained. Use organic or chemical fungicides as a last resort.
2. Viral diseases: Viral diseases can cause stunting, yellowing, and other deformations in Bidens bracteosa Sherff. One of the common viral diseases is mosaic virus, which causes irregular patches on the leaves and leads to stunted growth.
To manage viral diseases, remove all the infected plants and avoid planting new plants in the same area. Eliminate common vectors like aphids and thrips that spread the virus. There are no specific chemical treatments for viral diseases.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of Bidens bracteosa Sherff. They produce a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts ants and leads to fungal growth.
To manage aphids, spray the plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge them or use insecticidal soap. Introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to control their population.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap from the leaves of Bidens bracteosa Sherff. They cause yellowing and stippling of leaves and, in severe infestations, lead to premature leaf drop.
To manage spider mites, use a strong jet of water to dislodge them from the leaves or use insecticidal soap. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites to control their population.
Bidens bracteosa Sherff is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that requires proper care and maintenance to thrive. Regular inspection and timely intervention can keep it healthy and productive.
