Overview
Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff, also known as the Apioid Beggarticks, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. The plant is a member of the Bidens genus, which includes over 200 species of flowering plants.
Origin and Distribution
Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff is native to North America and is commonly found in the southeastern United States, particularly along the Gulf Coast. The plant grows in wetlands, meadows, and forest edges, usually in sandy soils.
Common Names
Apioid Beggarticks is the most common name of the plant. Other names include Tickseed Sunflower, Tickseed Beggarticks, and Apioid Swamp Aster.
Appearance
The Apioid Beggarticks plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and has a branching stem with elongated, lance-shaped leaves that are serrated or toothed. The plant produces yellow flowers, which are about 1-2 cm in diameter, with 10-20 ray florets. The plant bares fruits in the form of small, barbed, and oblong-shaped achenes that stick to clothing and animal fur, spreading quickly.
Uses
Historically, the Native Americans used Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff for medicinal purposes, such as treating fever, cough, and diarrhea. In present times, the plant is not commonly used for medicinal purposes, but is known to attract pollinators and birds to gardens where it is cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Light requirements
Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff requires full sun exposure to grow properly and produce flowers.
Temperature requirements
This plant is best grown in warm temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C during the day and 15°C to 20°C at night. It cannot withstand frost and needs protection from extreme temperatures.
Soil requirements
Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff prefers a well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. It is best grown in nutrient-rich soils that are preferably moist to damp. You can enhance soil fertility by incorporating organic matter during planting or using fertilizers with the required nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff is a native herbaceous plant that requires a well-drained soil with the capacity to hold moisture. It thrives best in a location where it can receive full sunlight exposure or partial shade. The plant is tolerant to drought-like conditions, but it grows optimally in soils with moderate moisture. Ensure the soil pH is between 5.5 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings. Plant the seeds in a prepared nursery bed, and transplant the seedlings when they are six inches tall. Transplant the seedlings to their permanent location when they attain the desired height and have developed strong roots. Cuttings should be taken from the parent plant's stem, and the stem cutting should be inserted in a prepared nursery bed or growing media.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate moisture; hence watering should be done carefully. Watering the plants should be done when the topsoil is dry to the touch. Overwatering may lead to root rot and other fungal infections. Ensure that the plants get adequate water, especially during the dry season.
Fertilization
It would be best if you fertilized the plants when planting them and subsequently after every four weeks during the growth period. Apply a balanced fertilizer, with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10, as this provides the adequate nutrient needed by the plant. The plant is tolerant to low soil fertility, but it may grow weak and require additional support
Pruning
Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff doesn't require pruning, but deadheading can be done to encourage thicker growth. You may also cut stems that have started to yellow or brown as this is a sign of an aging plant. Cutting off affected parts stimulates new growth and rejuvenates the plant.
Propagation of Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff
Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff can be sown directly into the soil. Collect ripe and dry seeds of the plant, and then sow them in well-draining soil mixed with some sand. The soil should be mildly moist until the seedlings emerge. Once the seedlings are established, they can be transplanted or thinned out to prevent overcrowding.
Propagation by Cuttings
Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff can also be propagated by vegetative cuttings. Take cutting from a healthy parent plant and plant them in well-draining soil, mixed with some sand. Keep the soil moist until the cuttings establish roots, before transplanting them.
Propagation by Division
Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff can also be propagated by dividing the roots. The parent plant should be dug up and the roots can be gently separated. Each root fragment should have some stems, leaves, and roots attached. These divisions should be then transplanted in well-draining soil and should be kept well-watered for the first few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management of Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff
Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff, commonly known as the swamp marigold or marsh coreopsis, is a perennial plant species native to North America. It can be affected by several diseases and pests, which can cause significant damage to the plant’s growth and development. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff is powdery mildew. This disease appears as a powdery, white coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant, eventually causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to ensure proper air circulation and avoid watering from above. Additionally, applying fungicides can help prevent powdery mildew from spreading to other parts of the plant.
Another disease that can affect Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff is root rot. This disease is caused by fungal organisms that thrive in wet soil and can cause the plant’s roots to decay. To manage root rot, it is essential to ensure correct watering techniques by avoiding overwatering and providing adequate drainage. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent the spread of root rot.
Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff is aphids. These small insects feed on the plant’s sap, causing the leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, it is essential to remove them manually or by using insecticidal soaps or oils. Additionally, companion planting with plants such as marigold and chrysanthemum can repel aphids and prevent them from affecting Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff.
Another pest that can affect Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff is spider mites. These tiny pests feed on the plant’s sap, causing the leaves to yellow and drop off. To manage spider mites, it is essential to ensure proper air circulation and humidity levels. Using insecticidal soaps or oils can also help prevent spider mites from infesting the plant.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is important to ensure the healthy growth and development of Bidens degeneri Sherff var. apioides Sherff. By following proper watering techniques, applying fungicides and insecticides, and using companion planting strategies, the plant can be protected from various diseases and pests, thereby providing a healthy ecosystem for the plant to grow.
