Overview of Bidens coronata (L.) Britt.
Bidens coronata (L.) Britt. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to North America, specifically found in the eastern and central regions of the United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas.
Common names
Bidens coronata has several common names including lesser beggarticks, tall beggarticks, tickseed sunflower, and in Spanish, pega-pega or pegajosa.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 2 meters in height and has a slender stem that branches out into several stems. The leaves are simple, opposite, and toothed, with a length of 2 to 8 cm and a width of 0.5 to 2 cm. The flowers are daisy-like, measuring 1.5 cm in diameter, and have yellow petals surrounding a brownish-yellow central disk. The fruit is an achene with a pappus, measuring about 5 mm in length, and covered in small hooked bristles.
Uses
The leaves and roots of Bidens coronata have been used traditionally by Native Americans to treat a variety of ailments such as pneumonia, coughs, fevers, and insect bites. A tea made from the leaves was also used as a laxative and diuretic. The plant is also used as a source of yellow dye for textiles. Bidens coronata is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and naturalistic landscapes as it attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
Light Requirements
Bidens coronata is a plant that thrives in full sunlight. The ideal light for the plant is at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Lack of proper lighting can result in weak stems, small flowers, and stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). It does not tolerate frost or cold weather, making it best-suited to tropical and sub-tropical climates.
Soil Requirements
Bidens coronata requires soil that is well-drained, moist, and rich in nutrients. The soil pH levels should range from 6.6 to 7.5, which is the ideal range for most plants. The plant can adapt to different types of soils such as sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but it prefers loamy soil with the addition of organic matter.
It is essential to maintain the moisture levels of the soil, as the plant does not tolerate drought. Waterlogging should also be avoided as it can cause the roots to rot.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens coronata, also known as water marigold or crown tickseed, is a hardy plant that grows well in wetlands and other moist habitats. It is a perennial plant that typically grows up to four feet tall and two feet wide. When cultivating this plant, it is important to choose a location with well-draining soil that receives full to partial sun. It is also important to ensure that the plant has access to moist soil, either by planting it near a water source or by irrigating it regularly.
Watering Needs
As mentioned earlier, Bidens coronata requires consistently moist soil to thrive. In order to maintain the proper moisture levels, it is important to water the plant regularly. This can be done through a combination of rainfall and manual irrigation, depending on the specific environment and climate in which the plant is grown. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. In general, it is best to water the plant deeply and infrequently rather than frequent shallow watering.
Fertilization
When it comes to fertilization, Bidens coronata does not generally require a lot of extra nutrients. However, it can benefit from an occasional boost of fertilizer, particularly if the soil is lacking in nutrients. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied in the spring, following the instructions on the package. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Bidens coronata generally does not require a lot of pruning, as it has a natural, open growth habit that is attractive in wetland and wildflower gardens. However, if the plant becomes too large or becomes too sprawling, it can be pruned back in the early spring or after flowering. This will help to encourage a more compact growth habit and prevent the plant from flopping over. Deadheading spent flowers can also encourage the production of new blooms.
Propagation of Bidens coronata (L.) Britt.
Bidens coronata, commonly known as coronate beggarticks or water-marigold is mostly propagated through its seeds. The plant can be grown from both green and dry seeds.
Propagation through seeds
The ideal time for sowing the seeds of Bidens coronata is in the spring, after the last frost. When sowing the seeds, they can be scattered on the surface of the soil or pressed slightly into the soil. The seeds need light to germinate, so they should not be covered with soil.
The soil temperature during germination should be around 15-30ºC (59-86ºF) for successful seed germination. The seeds should be kept moist until they germinate, which can take around 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have sprouted, they should be kept in a warm and light location to encourage growth.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Bidens coronata can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants during the spring or summer seasons. The cutting should be around 4-6 inches long and should be taken from the top or middle part of the stem.
The leaves on the lower part of the stem should be removed, leaving only a few leaves on the upper part of the cutting. The cutting should then be planted in moist soil and kept in a warm and bright area. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not overly wet, to avoid the cutting from rotting.
The cutting should be kept in a humid environment, which can be achieved through placing a plastic bag or cover over the cutting and soil. The cover should be removed periodically to allow for proper ventilation.
Propagation through stem cuttings is not as common as propagation through seeds for Bidens coronata, and success rates may vary.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens coronata (L.) Britt.
Bidens coronata, commonly known as crowned beggarticks or tickseed sunflower, is a tender perennial plant that is native to North America. The plant is generally low maintenance and requires minimal effort to maintain its growth. However, the plant is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can compromise its growth and yield. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Bidens coronata is the powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that appears as white or grayish powder on the plant's leaves. The infection might lead to yellowing and defoliation of the plant's foliage. To manage powdery mildew, you can use fungicides or opt for natural remedies such as spraying a mixture of baking soda and water on the infected leaves.
Another common disease that might affect Bidens coronata is leaf spot. Leaf spot is a fungal or bacterial infection that appears as dark, water-soaked spots on the plant's leaves. The spots might spread and merge, eventually leading to the death of the leaves. To manage leaf spot, you should remove the infected leaves and provide adequate air circulation around the plant. You can also use copper-based fungicides to manage the infection.
Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Bidens coronata is aphids. Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, eventually weakening the plant and spreading diseases. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs that feed on the insects.
Another common pest that might affect Bidens coronata is spider mites. Spider mites are small, spider-like insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, resulting in yellowing and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, you should increase the humidity around the plant, use insecticidal soaps, or introduce natural predators such as predatory mites or lacewings that feed on the insects.
Overall, by closely monitoring Bidens coronata for any signs of diseases or pests, you can take early action to prevent a full-blown infestation. Regularly inspecting the plant, providing proper nutrition, and maintaining a clean, well-ventilated growing environment can prevent most diseases and pests from affecting the plant.
