Overview
Bidens camporum auct., commonly known as the field beggarticks, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant is native to North America and can be found growing in fields, meadows, and along roadsides.
Appearance
The field beggarticks plant grows up to 2.5 feet in height and features slender stems that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves of the plant are arranged opposite each other and have serrated edges. The flowers of this plant are small and yellow in color. The plant produces fruit in the form of tiny dark brown seeds that are covered in numerous barbed hooks that stick to clothing and animal fur.
Uses
The field beggarticks plant has some medicinal properties. The plant parts have been found to contain various chemical compounds that could be beneficial in treating various ailments. The plant has also been used traditionally for various ailments such as rheumatism, fever, and skin infections. Additionally, the plant is also used as a source of food for some animals.
However, it is important to note that the plant can cause skin irritations in some individuals and should be handled with care.
Common Names
The field beggarticks plant is known by several common names, including Spanish needle, romerillo, devil's beggartick, and butterfly needles.
Light Requirements
Bidens camporum is a sun-loving plant. It thrives in full sun, which means it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure per day. Insufficient sunlight can cause the plant to grow tall and leggy, with sparse foliage and reduced flowering.
Temperature Preferences
Bidens camporum is a tender, warm-season annual. It grows best in temperatures between 60-85°F and can tolerate occasional hot spells of up to 95°F. Prolonged periods of high heat or low temperatures can damage or even kill the plant. It is essential to protect the Bidens camporum from frost, as it is not frost-tolerant.
Soil Requirements
Bidens camporum can adapt to different soil types, but thrives in well-draining rich soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5-6.8. The soil must be loamy to sandy, with plenty of organic matter to retain moisture and nutrients. Poor soil quality can cause weak growth, lowering resistance to pests and diseases and reducing flowering. Additionally, it requires regular watering to keep up with its moisture needs.
Cultivation of Bidens camporum auct.
Bidens camporum auct. or commonly called the "field beggar-ticks" is a plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to North America and is commonly found on the banks of streams and floodplains. When cultivating this plant, it is best to start in the spring.
Watering Needs of Bidens camporum auct.
Bidens camporum auct. prefers a moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought. It is essential to provide an adequate amount of water to this plant, especially during the growing season. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil type.
Fertilization of Bidens camporum auct.
During the growing season, it is recommended to fertilize Bidens camporum auct. once a month with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Applying too much fertilizer can cause excessive foliage growth and reduce the number of flowers produced.
Pruning of Bidens camporum auct.
Bidens camporum auct. does not require extensive pruning but benefits from removing dead flowers and old growth. This process promotes new growth and can increase the number of flowers produced. Pruning should be done during the growing season and should not exceed more than a third of the plant's total growth.
Propagation of Bidens camporum auct.
Bidens camporum auct. is a beautiful plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family with attractive daisy-like flowers that bloom from midsummer through fall. The propagation of Bidens camporum auct. can be done through four major methods:
Plant division
Plant division is a common method of propagation for Bidens camporum auct.. The plant can be divided by digging up the rhizomes and separating them into smaller sections with at least one shoot and some roots. It works best in the spring, just before new growth begins. The sections can be replanted in pre-prepared beds or pots with a high-quality potting mix.
Layering
Another method of propagating Bidens camporum auct. is layering. This method involves bending a low branch towards the ground and burying it under soil or compost. After a few weeks, roots will begin to grow from the buried section of the branch while the shoot remains above the soil. Once these roots have formed, the stem can be carefully cut away from the main plant and transplanted into a new location.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be taken to propagate Bidens camporum auct.. A cutting should be taken from new growth on the plant, around 10cm long. Cuttings should be taken in spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. Remove the lower leaves of the cutting and insert it into a pot filled with a propagation mix of sand and peat mix. Ensure that the cutting is watered regularly to prevent the soil from drying out. New roots should form in two to four weeks.
Seed Propagation
Bidens camporum auct. can also be propagated from seeds. Collect the seeds from the plant once the flower heads have dried out and turned brown. Sow the seeds in a nursery bed that has been pre-prepared and water the soil gently to allow the seed to settle in. Cover the seed with a light layer of soil and keep moist. The seed will germinate in around two weeks.
Disease Management
Bidens camporum is susceptible to several diseases including leaf spots, powdery mildew, and rust.
Leaf spots are caused by fungal and bacterial pathogens, and they appear as circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and maintain good air circulation around the plant.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides if necessary.
Rust is also a fungal disease that appears as yellow, orange, or brownish spots on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides if necessary.
Pest Management
Common pests that can affect Bidens camporum include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant sap and can cause leaf distortion and stunted growth. To manage this pest, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Whiteflies are also small insects that feed on the plant sap and can cause leaf yellowing and premature leaf drop. To manage this pest, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as parasitic wasps or predatory mites.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant sap and can cause leaf stippling and defoliation. To manage this pest, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or increase humidity around the plant to discourage mite activity.
