Overview
Bidens elegans Greene is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as Rocky Mountain beggarticks, Rocky Mountain tickseed, or mountain gold. The plant grows upright, up to a height of three feet and spread up to two feet wide. The plant is native to North America.
Description
Bidens elegans has red stems covered by fine hairs. Its leaves are spear-shaped, green, and also covered with fine hairs ranging from two to eight centimeters long. The flower heads are yellow and have five to eight ray petals surrounding a central disc of 20-30 small disk flowers, and they bloom from May to September. The fruits are about 0.24 inches long and have barbs or bristles which aid in their dispersal.
Ecology and Growing Requirements
Rocky Mountain beggarticks prefer dry to moist soils and thrive in open areas such as forest edges or rocky slopes. They grow best in full sun to partial shade and prefer higher altitudes ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 feet. This plant contributes to pollination and attracts bees and butterflies. The fruits provide food for birds and small mammals.
Medicinal and cultural significance
The Bidens elegans plant has laxative properties which make it beneficial in treating constipation. The flowers have also been used by Native Americans as a natural dye for textiles.
Conclusion
Bidens elegans Greene, or Rocky Mountain beggarticks, is a member of the Asteraceae family. Its yellow flowers bloom from May to September, and the plant prefers well-drained soils, a high elevation, and full to partial sunlight. The plant is used for medicinal purposes and cultural significance
Light Requirements
Bidens elegans Greene prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. This plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow well. Inadequate light can result in stunted growth and reduced flower production.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens elegans Greene grows well in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the plant to wilt, while temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can cause damage to the foliage.
Soil Requirements
Bidens elegans Greene prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5. This plant will not grow in heavy, poorly drained soil. To improve soil drainage, mix sand or gravel into the soil before planting. Additionally, you can add compost or aged manure to the soil to improve its fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens elegans Greene, commonly known as Showy Tickseed, can be grown outdoors in containers and garden beds. It requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.8. This plant prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade.
Seeds can be sown directly into the garden bed after the last frost date or started indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. The seedlings should be transplanted to the garden bed after the last frost.
Watering Needs
Water the Bidens elegans Greene evenly to maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil. This plant requires frequent watering during the summer to prevent the soil from drying out. Too much water can cause the roots to rot, so avoid overwatering.
Fertilization
Bidens elegans Greene doesn't require much fertilization. However, it is recommended to add compost to the garden bed before planting. You can also supplement with an all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season. Overfertilization can lead to poor growth and may even damage the plant, so use a light hand when fertilizing.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Bidens elegans Greene. However, to encourage bushier growth, you can pinch back the stems by a third in early summer. Deadheading spent flowers can also promote more blooms throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Bidens elegans Greene
Bidens elegans Greene, commonly known as Hairy beggarticks, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. Being an ornamental plant, it is propagated for various purposes like landscaping and decoration. There are two primary methods for propagating Bidens elegans Greene, which are as follows:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Bidens elegans Greene can be done through the use of seeds. Seeds are relatively easy to obtain and require no special treatment for germination. Following are the steps involved in seed propagation:
- Collect seeds from the plant when the flower heads have dried out and turned brown or black.
- Fill a plant pot with a suitable potting mix, preferably with good drainage.
- Sow the seeds just below the soil surface and press them lightly.
- Water the potting mix until it is moist.
- Place the pot in a warm, well-lit area, away from direct sunlight.
- The seeds will usually germinate within a few days to a week or two.
- Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into bigger pots or outdoor beds.
Vegetative Propagation
Bidens elegans Greene can also be propagated through vegetative means, using cuttings or division. Following are the steps involved in vegetative propagation:
Cuttings
- Take cuttings from the parent plant that are about 10-15 cm long and have at least two nodes.
- Using a sharp knife or scissors, remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only the top two or three leaves.
- Dip the cut end of the cutting into rooting hormone powder or gel.
- Plant the cutting into a pot filled with moist potting mix.
- Water the cutting until the potting mix is moist.
- Place the pot in a warm, well-lit area, away from direct sunlight.
- Roots will typically develop within a few weeks.
- When the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or outdoor bed.
Division
- Carefully dig up the parent plant, making sure not to damage the roots.
- Using clean and sharp tools, divide the roots and plant into smaller sections.
- Plant each section into a pot filled with moist potting mix or directly into an outdoor bed.
- Water the plants until the potting mix or soil is moist.
- Place the pot or bed in a warm, well-lit area, away from direct sunlight.
- The divided plants should be allowed a few weeks to develop new roots before they are transplanted into the desired location.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens elegans Greene
Bidens elegans Greene, also known as showy tickseed or Arizona beggartick, is a native wildflower that belongs to the Asteraceae family. In addition to its horticultural value, this plant provides habitat for various pollinators and birds. However, like any other plant, Bidens elegans can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. Therefore, it is essential to know the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Bidens elegans is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that creates a white powdery film on the leaves, flowers, and stem of the plant. This disease can cause stunted growth and reduce the plant's overall health. One way to manage powdery mildew is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Ensure that the plant receives adequate sunlight, water, and air circulation. Also, it is essential to remove any infected plant parts and clean the surrounding area to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be used to control powdery mildew.
Another common disease is leaf spot. Leaf spot is caused by fungal pathogens that cause circular or irregular-shaped spots on the leaves. The infected leaves can turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage leaf spot, ensure to monitor the plant regularly and remove any infected leaves. Also, avoid watering the plant from above to prevent the fungal spores from spreading. Fungicides can also be effective in managing leaf spot.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Bidens elegans is aphids. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to become yellow and distorted. Additionally, aphids excrete a sticky residue that attracts other pests and can cause the growth of black mold. To manage aphids, prune the affected plant parts and remove any nearby weeds that attract them. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population effectively.
Another common pest is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to become yellow and speckled. These pests thrive in hot and dry conditions and can quickly multiply. To manage spider mites, ensure to keep the plant well-watered and increase the humidity levels by misting the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
In conclusion, Bidens elegans is a beautiful plant that can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the plant regularly and take the necessary steps to prevent or manage any issues promptly.
