Origin and Common Names
Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff, also known as slender-lobe beggarticks, is a native plant to North and Central America. This plant is commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and along streams in the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Appearance
Slender-lobe beggarticks is an herbaceous plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall. Its stem is sharply angled, hairy, and can be green or reddish. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, with a spine-tipped lobe at the base. Each leaf has three to five slender lobes that are tapered and slightly hairy. The plant produces small flowers that are yellow and clustered at the end of branches. The flowers are followed by dark brown, flattened seeds that are about 2-3 mm long and have two barbed bristles, which help them to stick to animal fur or clothing for seed dispersal.
Uses
Slender-lobe beggarticks has several medicinal uses, particularly for treating skin diseases and diarrhea. Native American tribes used the plant's leaves and flowers as an emetic, a poultice, and a bath to treat skin conditions such as hives, rashes, and scabies. The Cherokee tribe used the plant's leaves and root to treat dysentery and diarrhea. Additionally, this plant is important for its ecological value as a food source for wildlife, particularly birds and small mammals.
Overall, Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff is an interesting and useful plant that holds a special place in the flora of North America.Light Requirements
Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff require full sunlight to grow properly. This plant thrives in areas where it receives ample amounts of direct sunlight and cannot tolerate long periods of shade. As a result, it is best to plant Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff in locations that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff can grow in a range of temperature conditions, but it prefers warm to hot temperatures. For optimal growth, the temperature should remain between 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius) and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.5 degrees Celsius). If the temperature falls out of this range, it can limit the growth and development of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for the soil is between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can also tolerate a range of soil textures, from sandy to loamy. However, it is essential to ensure the soil remains moist to support healthy growth. This plant requires regular watering, especially during dry spells.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff is a hardy plant that grows well in various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay. It requires moderate moisture and optimal light exposure to thrive. The best way to cultivate the plant is by planting the seeds in early spring, either directly into the soil or in containers. The seeds usually germinate within two to three weeks, and the plant grows quickly, reaching a height of about 60 cm.
Watering Needs
Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff requires moderate watering, depending on the weather and soil moisture. The plant grows well in well-drained soil, which means that overwatering could cause damage. It is essential to water the plant deeply, at least once a week, during hot and dry seasons but reduce the frequency during cooler seasons. It is advisable to water the plant in the early morning or late evening to avoid evaporation.
Fertilization
Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff thrives in soil rich in nutrients. It benefits from regular fertilization, which could be in the form of well-decomposed manure or organic compost. Before planting, it is advisable to prepare the soil by mixing in organic matter, which provides the plant with the necessary nutrients to grow. During the growing season, it is advisable to feed the plant every three weeks with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
Pruning
Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff is a low-maintenance plant that does not require regular pruning. However, to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth, it is advisable to pinch off the tips of the stems. This encourages lateral branching, which results in a bushy plant. Deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce more blooms. It is also advisable to remove any yellow or diseased leaves to keep the plant healthy.
Propagation of Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff
Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff is herbaceous plant commonly known as thin-lobe beggartick. It is native to North America and is grown in gardens for its showy yellow flowers. Propagation of this plant can be done using different methods.
Seed Propagation
Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff can be propagated via seeds. The seeds can be collected from the matured flowers and stored in a cool and dry place for later use. To propagate using seeds, sow the seeds in a prepared bed outdoors in late fall or early spring. Cover the seeds with soil to a depth of one-fourth inch and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Transplant the seedlings when they reach 2-3 inches tall and space them 6-9 inches apart.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff. Take cuttings of about 6 inches in length from the parent plant and remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a prepared bed, keeping the soil consistently moist until the cutting roots. Transplant the rooted cuttings into the desired location.
Division Propagation
Division can also be used to propagate Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff. In early spring or fall, dig the parent plant out of the ground and divide the root mass into several sections, each containing a portion of the stem and some roots. Replant the sections in a prepared bed with well-draining soil and keep the soil evenly moist until the plants become established.
These are the propagation methods for Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. var. tenuiloba (Gray) Sherff. Choose the method that best suits your needs and environmental conditions to ensure success in propagating this beautiful plant.
Disease Management
Bidens coronata is generally not susceptible to many diseases but can occasionally fall prey to foliar fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. A preventive measure against these diseases is observing proper planting distances to encourage good air circulation around the plant. Also, avoid watering the leaves as it increases the likelihood of the fungus developing. If the plant shows signs of infection, remove affected leaves and treat the plant with fungicides according to the product label.
Pest Management
Some pest species that can affect Bidens coronata include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests suck sap from the plant and cause "witches' broom" symptoms and stunting. To avoid pest infestations, maintain good weed control around the plant, which can serve as hosts for pest species. Furthermore, avoid ineffective use of pesticides that can lead to an increase in pest populations that are resistant to chemicals. Instead, use selective and low-toxicity pesticides. The most effective way to manage pests in Bidens coronata is to apply general preventative measures such as good sanitation, plant hygiene, and healthy plant maintenance.
