Origin
Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to eastern and central North America, but it is also found in other parts of the world such as Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Common Names
Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. is commonly known as nodding bur-marigold, swamp beggar-ticks, or water-marigold.
Uses
The plant has been used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes. It was used to treat kidney and bladder problems, as well as to ease the pain of childbirth. The leaves could be steeped in hot water and used to make an infusion, while the roots and flowers were applied topically as a poultice.
Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. is also used in ornamental gardening and landscaping due to its yellow daisy-like flowers and attractive foliage.
General Appearance
Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. is an aquatic or semi-aquatic plant that grows up to 4 feet tall. It has slender stems that are green or sometimes tinged with purple. The leaves are simple, alternate, and toothed, and they can be up to 5 inches long and 2 inches wide. The flowers are yellow and bloom from late summer to early fall. Each flower has 8-13 ray florets surrounding a central disk. The fruit is an achene with two barbed awns that can stick to animal fur or clothing and aid in seed dispersal.
Light Requirements
Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. can tolerate a variety of lighting conditions, from full sun exposure to partial shade. However, it thrives in bright, indirect light, making it an ideal indoor plant that requires minimal direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night. Temps below 55°F can stunt its growth. Although Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. can tolerate fluctuations in temperature, it is best to shield it from sudden temperature changes and cold drafts.
Soil Requirements
Good drainage is essential for the plant's growth, and its soil should be moist but not soggy. Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. grows well in nutrient-rich soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. Garden soil containing humus, perlite, or peat moss can enhance soil fertility and drainage. Additionally, a well-draining pot with sufficient drainage holes can prevent root rot.
Cultivation Methods
The plant Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. is quite easy to cultivate. It can be grown in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soil. It thrives in locations with full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. The seeds of the plant should be sown 1/8 inch deep in the soil and spaced 12-18 inches apart. The plant is resistant to most pests and diseases and is generally low maintenance.
Watering Needs
Although this plant is fairly drought-tolerant, it prefers regular watering. During the first few weeks after sowing the seeds, the soil should be kept moist until the plants have established themselves. After this period, watering can be done once every week or two if the weather is dry.
Fertilization
Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. grows well in soil that is rich in organic matter. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Fertilizer should be applied every two weeks during the growing season. To avoid damaging the plant, the fertilizer should be applied around the base of the plant and not directly on the leaves. As the plant matures, it may need less fertilizer.
Pruning
Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. does not require much pruning since it is a self-cleaning plant and will shed its spent flowers and leaves. However, removing spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Deadheading should be done regularly to promote flowering throughout the growing season. Additionally, cutting back the plant by one-third in the late summer can help to extend the blooming period.
Propagation of Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg.
There are several methods to propagate Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. Some of the common methods include:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest and most common methods of propagating Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. is through seed propagation. Collect the seeds from the plant once the flowers have wilted and the seed heads have turned brown. Allow the seeds to dry completely before storing them in a cool and dry place. When the time comes to plant the seeds, scatter them over the soil surface, lightly cover them with soil and water them well. The ideal time to sow the seeds is in early spring, about two weeks before the last frost date.
Division Propagation
Division is another effective method of propagating Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. It’s best to propagate the plants in early spring or late summer, when the weather isn’t too hot. Start by digging up the entire plant and gently brush the soil away from the roots. Look for natural separations in the root system and gently pull or cut them apart. Make sure each division has a healthy root system and replant them at the same depth as the mother plant. Water them well after planting.
Propagation Through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings isn’t as common as other methods, but it’s possible with Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. Take cuttings from a healthy plant in spring or summer. Make sure the cutting is approximately 6 inches long and has a few leaves and a healthy stem. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot with moist potting soil, cover it with a plastic bag and leave it in a bright, warm location. Be sure to keep the soil moist and within a few weeks, the cutting should have roots and be ready to transplant.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg.
Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg., commonly known as Nodding beggarticks, is a hardy perennial plant species that is easily grown in gardens. However, it is still prone to various types of diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. It is important to implement effective disease and pest management practices to ensure the health of the plant.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. is powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Another disease is leaf spot, which is caused by bacteria and results in brown or black spots on the leaves.
Disease Management
To manage the powdery mildew disease, the plant should be regularly watered at the base, as overhead watering can increase humidity and promote the growth of mildew. Prune any diseased leaves as soon as they appear, and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of the disease. A fungicide spray can also be applied to control the disease.
For leaf spot, applying a copper-based fungicide spray can help control the spread of the disease. Remove and dispose of any infected leaves, and maintain good airflow around the plant to reduce humidity.
Common Pests
Aphids are one of the most common pests to affect Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. They feed on the sap of the plant and can stunt its growth. Another pest is spider mites, which are tiny arachnids that feed on the leaves and cause yellow spots and mottling.
Pest Management
One way to manage aphids is to spray the plant with a strong blast of water, which can dislodge them from the plant. Alternatively, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied to control the pest. For spider mites, horticultural oil can be applied to the leaves to smother the mites. Regularly cleaning and dusting the leaves can also help prevent infestations.
Overall, practicing good plant hygiene, regular inspection, and timely interventions can go a long way in preventing diseases and pests from affecting Bidens cernua L. var. integra Wieg. With a little maintenance and care, this plant can thrive in gardens and landscapes for years to come.
