Bidens Eatonii Fern. Var. Mutabilis Fassett - >>bidens Eatonii

Overview of Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett

Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett, commonly known as Eaton's beggarticks, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This native plant to North America can be found in the Great Basin region, including the states of Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant that grows up to 20 cm to 100 cm tall.

General Appearance of Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett

The Eaton's beggarticks plant has several individual stems that arise from a central taproot. The leaves are pinnately divided into several leaflets, with serrated margins. The flowers are small, yellow, and daisy-like, with 8 to 13 ray flowers and numerous disc flowers. These flowers bloom from June to October, and the plant produces achenes with barbed bristles that cling to clothing and animal fur.

Common Names of Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett

Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett has several common names, including Eaton’s beggarticks, Eaton’s tickseed, variable-fruited beggarticks, and variably-fruited beggarticks.

Uses of Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett

Historically, indigenous people have used the Eaton's beggarticks plant for medicinal purposes. They boiled the plant to create a tea that was used to treat infections, fevers, and respiratory illnesses. The roots were also chewed to relieve toothache and sore throats. Moreover, Eaton's beggarticks plant is essential for ecological stability since it supports the survival of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Light Requirements

The Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett typically thrives in full sun to partial shade environments. This plant requires adequate sunlight to perform photosynthesis for growth and development.

Temperature Requirements

The ideal temperature range for the Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett is between 20 and 24 °C (68 and 75 °F). It cannot tolerate frost and has a low tolerance for extremely hot temperatures.

Soil Requirements

The Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett prefers well-drained and moist soils. It grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. This plant can tolerate poor soil conditions, but it performs best in rich and loamy soils.

Cultivation Methods

The Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett plant is relatively easy to cultivate. It requires well-draining soil with high organic matter content. The plant requires an ample amount of sunlight to thrive.

When planting the Bidens plant, ensure that you select a spacious site with good drainage. Seed the plants at least 1-2 inches deep in well-drained soil. If you are planting potted plants, ensure you transplant them directly into the soil after they have acclimatized to the environment.

The Bidens plant is spread by seeding or cuttings. If you are using the cuttings, select healthy plants with multiple stalks and leaves, cut them carefully, and plant them in the soil.

Watering Needs

The Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett plant requires regular watering. Water the plant once a week if you are experiencing rainfall scarcity. However, deep watering every two to three weeks will prevent over-watering, which can lead to the roots' rotting.

The plant has a low drought tolerance capacity; hence, ensure the soil moisture is consistent. During the hot months, increase the watering frequency to three times a week, ensuring that the soil drains well.

Fertilization

Provide the Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett plant with medium-strength fertilizer once a month, ensuring good overall growth and health. Fertilize the plant during the growing season with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, but decrease the plant's feeding ahead of winter.

If you are planting the Bidens plant in a pot, use slow-release fertilizers. Slow-release fertilizers provide sustained feeding, allowing the plant to grow at a steady pace.

Pruning

The Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett plant maintains a natural shape; therefore, pruning is optional. However, you can pinch the tips of the plant during the first few months of growth to encourage bushier branching.

You may also cut off any spent flowers, providing a tidy and clean appearance to the plant.

Propagation of Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett

Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett, commonly known as Eaton's Beggarticks, is a beautiful plant that produces yellow daisy-like flowers. If you want to propagate this plant, you can do it by using seeds or by division.

Propagation by Seeds

The easiest and most common way to propagate Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett is by using seeds. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Collect the seeds from mature plants in the late summer or early fall when the seed heads have dried out.
2. Clean the seeds by removing any debris and placing them in a plastic bag or airtight container.
3. Store the seeds in a cool and dry place until ready to use.
4. In the spring, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, either indoors or directly in the garden.
5. Water the soil regularly and keep it consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7-14 days.
6. Once the seedlings have grown enough, transplant them into their permanent location.

Propagation by Division

You can also propagate Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett by division. Here's how:

1. Choose a mature plant and carefully dig it out of the ground.
2. Gently shake off the excess soil and examine the roots.
3. Divide the plant into two or more sections using a sharp and sterilized tool. Make sure each section has healthy roots and stems.
4. Plant each division in its own container or directly in the garden, making sure it's in a well-draining soil mix and receives proper sunlight and moisture.
5. Water the soil immediately after planting and keep it consistently moist until the new plants are established.

Propagation of Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett is relatively easy if you follow the right steps and provide the necessary care for the new plants.

Disease Management

Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett is susceptible to a few diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on leaves and stems. It can occur in humid conditions or when plants are crowded. To manage powdery mildew, remove affected plant parts and improve air circulation. Additionally, use a fungicide that contains potassium bicarbonate to prevent further spread.

Leaf Spot

Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the leaves. These spots soon turn brown and develop purple rings. Over time, the affected leaves may drop. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy all affected plant parts. Additionally, use a fungicide that contains chlorothalonil to prevent further spread.

Root Rot

Root rot is a fungal disease that can affect Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett, especially if grown in poorly-draining soil. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage. Additionally, use a fungicide that contains thiophanate-methyl to prevent further spread.

Pest Management

Bidens eatonii Fern. var. mutabilis Fassett is relatively pest-resistant, although it may occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.

Aphids

Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing curled or distorted growth. To manage aphids, remove them manually or use a spray of water or insecticidal soap. Additionally, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs to control the aphids.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the leaves, causing white or yellow speckling. To manage spider mites, remove infected plant parts and improve humidity levels. Additionally, use a miticide that contains azadirachtin or neem oil to prevent further spread.

Whiteflies

Whiteflies are small insects that feed on the plant sap, causing yellowing leaves and a sticky residue on the leaves. To manage whiteflies, remove infected plant parts and use yellow sticky traps to capture the insects. Additionally, use an insecticide that contains spinosad or horticultural oil to prevent further spread.