Introduction
Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is a perennial plant that is native to North America and is found in various parts of the United States including California, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona.
Common Names
Bidens cosmoides var. refracta is commonly known as Refracted Beggarticks. It is also referred to as Spanish needles due to the needle-like shape of its seeds.
Appearance
Bidens cosmoides var. refracta is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 3 feet tall. It has a fibrous root system with a slender, branching stem that is angular and ribbed. The leaves are opposite, pinnately compound with serrated margins and are dark green in color. The flowers are yellow and daisy-like, with 8-13 petals and a prominent brownish-yellow center. The seeds are achenes with slender bristles that give the plant its common name of beggarticks.
Uses
Bidens cosmoides var. refracta has a long history of medicinal use by indigenous people. The plant has been used to treat various ailments including digestive disorders, fevers, and headaches. The leaves and stems of the plant can be brewed into a tea, and the seeds have been used to make an oil that can be used for skin ailments. The plant is also used in landscaping and as a natural dye source, producing a yellow-green dye.
Light Requirements
Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr. is a sun-loving plant that thrives best in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow optimally. When grown in the shade, the plant fails to produce flowers and may become lanky and unproductive.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr. growth is between 20°C and 30°C. The plant can withstand some level of temperature fluctuations ranging from 15°C to 40°C; however, it may negatively impact fruit production when temperatures fall outside of the optimal range. Temperatures that are too low may also increase the susceptibility of the plant to insect infestations and fungal diseases.
Soil Requirements
Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr. prefers well-draining loamy soils rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5, slightly acidic or neutral. The plant can thrive in soils with some level of salinity but doesn't tolerate waterlogged soils. Therefore, a soil that is moist but not soggy is ideal for Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr. growth.
Cultivation
Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr. is a sun-loving plant that thrives in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It is best grown in areas with lots of sunlight and warm temperatures, such as near a south-facing window or outside in a tropical or subtropical climate.
Watering Needs
Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr. prefers evenly moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. Water it thoroughly once the top inch of soil is dry, making sure to avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal growth. In warmer weather, it may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr. benefits from regular fertilization as it is a fast-growing plant. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season. Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant's growth.
Pruning
Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr. benefits from regular pruning to encourage bushy and compact growth. Pinch back the tips of young plants to promote branching, and remove any dead or damaged leaves throughout the plant's life. If the plant becomes too leggy, prune it back hard to encourage new growth from the base.
Propagation of Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr.
Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr., commonly known as refracted bracted beggartick, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the United States and is primarily found in the southern and eastern regions of the country. Propagation of Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr. can be achieved through several methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Propagation through seeds
Propagation of Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr. through seeds is a common method. The seeds of the plant are small and can be collected from the plant after the flowers have bloomed and the seed heads have dried. Once the seeds are collected, they can be stored in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.
When it's time to plant the seeds, they can be started indoors or sown directly in the garden. If started indoors, the seeds should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until they germinate. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into bigger containers or directly into the garden.
Propagation through vegetative methods
Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr. can also be propagated through vegetative methods. This method of propagation involves taking cuttings from mature plants and encouraging them to root and grow into new plants.
To propagate Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr. through stem cuttings, select a healthy and mature plant and take a cutting that is around 4-6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. The cutting should root within a few weeks and can be transplanted into a larger container or the garden.
Propagation through division is also possible. To do this, dig up the plant and separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have a portion of the stem and a few leaves. Replant the sections into prepared soil and keep them well-watered until they establish new roots.
Overall, Bidens cosmoides (Gray) Sherff var. refracta Hochr. can be propagated through seeds or vegetative methods like stem cuttings and division. The method chosen will depend on the gardener's preference and the availability of planting material.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens Cosmoides
Bidens cosmoides is a hardy perennial plant that is relatively easy to grow, but it is still susceptible to diseases and pests that can cause damage to the leaves, stems, and flowers. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Bidens cosmoides is fungal leaf spot, which causes black or brown spots on the leaves. This disease is caused by a fungus and can spread quickly, especially in humid conditions. To manage fungal leaf spot, you can remove infected leaves as soon as they appear and dispose of them. You can also apply fungicides to the plant to prevent the spread of the disease. Another disease that can affect Bidens cosmoides is powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. This disease is also caused by a fungus and can be managed by removing infected leaves and applying fungicides.
Pests
One of the most common pests that affects Bidens cosmoides is the spider mite. These tiny pests can cause small, yellow or white spots on the leaves, and can spread quickly, especially in dry conditions. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Another pest that can affect Bidens cosmoides is the aphid, which can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. Aphids can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or applying insecticidal soap.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests in Bidens cosmoides is to monitor the plant closely and take action as soon as any signs of damage appear. Regular pruning, fertilizing, and watering can also help to keep the plant healthy and resistant to disease and pests.
