Overview
Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg. is a member of the Asteraceae family, commonly known as Nodding Bur Marigold or Nodding Beggar Ticks. It is a herbaceous, annual plant that can grow up to 60 cm tall and is found in wet habitats, such as marshes, swamps, ditches, and along riverbanks. The plant is native to North America and can be found throughout the continent, from northern Mexico to southern Canada.
Appearance
The leaves of Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg. are dark green, lance-shaped, and toothed, measuring around 5 to 12 cm long and 0.5 to 1.5 cm wide. The plant produces multiple stems which are branched and hairy. It has showy yellow flowers that bloom from July to September with eight ray florets and several reddish-brown disk florets. The flower head is about 1.5 cm in diameter and appears at the end of the branches. It produces fruits that are small, black, elongated achenes.
Uses
Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg. has several uses. The plant has medicinal properties and the Native Americans used it to treat various ailments such as fever, cold, cough, and snakebites. The roots and leaves of the plant were boiled and consumed as a tea. Its crushed leaves were used as a poultice to alleviate pain and inflammation.
In addition, the plant has ecological benefits. It is used as a nectar source for various pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and flies. The plant is also used to help manage soil erosion and wetland restoration as its roots can stabilize soil and prevent it from being washed or blown away.
Moreover, Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg. is an ornamental plant that is grown in gardens and landscapes for its vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in the late summer and fall, adding to the aesthetic value of a garden.
Growth conditions of Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg.
Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg. typically grows in full sun to partial shade, meaning it requires a significant amount of sunlight to grow properly. This plant is typically native to areas that receive a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, so it requires a moist environment to grow in.
Light
The plant grows best in well-lit areas where it can receive a significant amount of sunlight. However, it can also tolerate partial shade environments, as long as it receives some amount of direct sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature
Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from warm and humid conditions to cooler temperatures. However, it does require a minimum temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius for proper growth.
Soil requirements
The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, but it prefers sandy or loamy soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. Additionally, the plant requires a soil pH range between 5.5 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods for Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg.
Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg. is a hardy perennial plant that requires full sun and well-draining soil for optimum growth. The ideal planting time is in the early spring, after the last frost has passed.
The plant needs to be planted at a depth of ½ inch below the soil surface and spaced at least 12 inches apart. To promote proper root development, it is recommended to transplant the seedlings after two to three weeks of germination.
Watering Needs for Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg.
Watering Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg. deeply once a week is recommended for optimal growth and development. However, the frequency of watering should be adjusted based on the weather conditions and the moisture level of the soil.
It is preferable to water the plant in the morning or evening, depending on the temperature, to prevent excessive evaporation.
Fertilization for Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg.
Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg. is not a heavy feeder and can thrive in nutrient-poor soils. However, to promote optimal growth and development, it is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
The recommended fertilizer ratio is 10-10-10, and it should be applied at a rate of 1 tablespoon per plant per month. The fertilizer should be worked into the soil around the plant and watered deeply afterward.
Pruning Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg.
Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg. does not require extensive pruning. However, the plant can benefit from occasional deadheading to promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
Deadheading involves removing the spent flowers from the plant, which directs the energy to the growth of new blooms. Additionally, pruning of damaged or diseased stems and foliage should be done promptly to prevent the spread of infections and to maintain the plant's overall health.
Propagation of Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg.
Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg., commonly known as nodding beggarticks, is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The plant is native to North and Central America and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its showy yellow flowers.
Propagation by seeds
The most common method of propagating Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg. is by seeds. The seeds are small, about 2 mm in size, and are black or dark brown in color. They are usually collected when the flower heads have dried out and the seeds have matured.
Before planting the seeds, they must be scarified to increase the germination rate. Scarification can be done by filing the seed coat with a nail file or sandpaper or by soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours.
The seeds can be sown in seed trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. The trays should be kept in a warm, bright location. Germination usually takes 10-14 days.
Propagation by cuttings
Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken from the plant in spring or early summer.
The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should have at least two nodes. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and should be kept in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Roots should form in about 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by division
Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg. can also be propagated by division. Mature plants can be dug up and divided into smaller sections in spring or early fall.
The sections should have well-developed roots and shoots. Plant the sections in a well-draining potting mix and water them thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. The new plants should start growing within a few weeks.
Disease Management
Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg. is susceptible to various diseases that can impact the plant’s health and productivity. Some of the common diseases affecting Bidens cernua include:
- Bacterial blight: It is caused by Xanthomonas campestris and characterized by the appearance of water-soaked lesions on leaves. Management of bacterial blight includes pruning of infected areas, proper sanitation, and the use of copper-based fungicides.
- Root rot: It is caused by Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp. and is characterized by plant wilting and discoloration. Management strategies include proper drainage, good soil aeration, and the use of fungicides.
- Grey mold: It is caused by Botrytis cinerea and is characterized by the appearance of small, water-soaked spots on leaves, stems, and flowers. Management strategies include the removal of infected plant parts, adequate ventilation, and the use of fungicides.
Pest Management
Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg. is also susceptible to insect pests which can cause severe damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that affect Bidens cernua include:
- Aphids: They suck plant sap from leaves and transmit viral diseases. Management strategies include the use of insecticidal soaps, neem oil, and beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Mites: They suck plant sap and cause leaf discoloration and deformities. Management strategies include the use of miticides and ensuring proper plant hygiene.
- Thrips: They cause small, white patches on leaves and transmit viruses. Management strategies include the use of insecticidal soaps and the removal of infested plant parts.
To control pests and disease on Bidens cernua L. var. elliptica Wieg., it’s essential to adopt an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that combines various management strategies. These include monitoring plants regularly, ensuring proper planting practices, maintaining good soil health, practicing crop rotation, and using natural enemies and pesticides appropriately.
