Origin
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. forbesii is a species of flowering plant that is native to the United States, particularly in the Midwest region. It can be found in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands.
Common Names
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. forbesii is commonly known as Forbes' beggarticks or Forbes' tickseed. It derives its name from John Forbes, an American botanist who collected and studied several plant species, including this one.
Uses
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. forbesii has many uses in traditional medicine. It has been used to alleviate pain, treat respiratory conditions, and as a general tonic. The plant has also been used in various cultural practices, such as making dyes out of its flowers.
Appearance
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. forbesii is a perennial plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall. It has bright yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. The leaves of the plant are dark green and slightly serrated. The stem is smooth and light green. The fruit of the plant is a small, brown seed covered in spiky appendages, which easily attach to clothing and animal fur, thus enabling the plant to spread to new locations.
Growth Conditions for Bidens Forbesii Sherff ssp. Forbesii
Bidens Forbesii Sherff ssp. Forbesii, commonly known as Forbes' beggarticks, is a tall, perennial herb that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. Here are some of the key conditions to consider when cultivating this plant:
Light Requirements
Forbes' beggarticks thrive in full sun to partial shade. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and develop healthy foliage and flowers. However, in extremely hot and dry climates, partial shade may be necessary to prevent the plant from wilting and drying out.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a range of temperatures between 60°F to 85°F (16°C to 29°C). During the growing season, temperature fluctuations outside of this range can hinder its growth and health. It is best to plant Forbes' beggarticks after the last frost of spring and before the first frost of fall when the temperature is mild.
Soil Requirements
Bidens Forbesii Sherff ssp. Forbesii grows best in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should ideally be between 5.5 to 7.5. Avoid soils that are heavy in clay or compacted, which can hinder the plant's root growth. To improve drainage, it is recommended to incorporate some sand or perlite into the soil.
Water Requirements
Forbes' beggarticks require consistent watering to maintain moist soil conditions. Water the plant regularly at least once a week or more during hot and dry weather. However, be careful not to overwater, as waterlogged soil can damage the roots and cause the plant to wilt.
Fertilizer Requirements
These plants benefit from periodic fertilization throughout the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy foliage and flowering.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. forbesii can be cultivated either from seeds or from stem cuttings. If cultivating from seeds, it is best to start indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. The plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. Make sure to prepare the soil by mixing in compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient availability.
Watering Needs
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. forbesii needs consistent watering to ensure healthy growth. Water deeply at the base of the plant every 1-2 weeks, depending on weather conditions. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. Monitor the soil moisture level using a moisture meter or by sticking your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels dry, then it's time to water.
Fertilization
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. forbesii benefits from regular fertilization to promote strong growth and abundant blooms. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can lead to weak growth and reduced blooming. It is also a good idea to side-dress the plants with compost or well-aged manure halfway through the growing season.
Pruning
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. forbesii does not require extensive pruning. However, deadheading spent flowers regularly can promote new growth and additional blooming. Prune back any unwanted or damaged branches in the fall or early spring to promote healthy growth for the upcoming season. Be sure to sterilize pruning tools after each use to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Bidens Forbesii Sherff ssp. Forbesii
Bidens Forbesii Sherff ssp. Forbesii can be propagated vegetatively and by seed.
Vegetative Propagation
The plant can be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings, division, or layering. Stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant, preferably in spring or early summer, and planted in moist, well-draining soil. The cutting should be about 3-4 inches long and should be planted in a hole that is deep enough to cover the bottom inch of the stem. After planting, the soil should be kept lightly moist until roots develop.
Division can be done while repotting or in early spring just before the plant begins to grow. The plant should be lifted carefully from its container or the ground, and the roots should be divided into several smaller clumps. Each clump should have some shoots and roots, and the separated clumps should be planted as soon as possible.
Layering involves bending a low-growing stem to the ground and covering it with soil, leaving the tip exposed. Roots will develop along the buried stem, and in a few weeks to several months, the layered stem can be cut away and planted as a new plant.
Seed Propagation
Bidens Forbesii Sherff ssp. Forbesii can be propagated by seed, as well. To grow from seed, the plant requires a warm, moist environment. Seeds should be planted in trays or pots filled with a seed-starting mix, and they should be covered with a very thin layer of soil. The trays should be kept in a warm, bright place and kept moist but not wet until the seeds germinate. Once seedlings appear, they should be moved to individual containers or to the ground with a spacing of 12-18 inches.
Propagation through seed can produce plants with slight variations compared to their parent. So, it is important to select the best plants from these differentiated plants.
Disease management:
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. forbesii is susceptible to various fungal diseases. The common diseases that affect the plant include powdery mildew, downy mildew, root rot, and bacterial leaf spot. Powdery mildew is a common disease that causes white powdery growth on the leaves. Downy mildew is another fungal disease that causes yellow patches and downy growth on the leaves. Root rot is caused by waterlogging and can lead to the death of the plant. Bacterial leaf spot is characterized by yellow spots that turn brown over time.
To manage fungal diseases, avoid planting the Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. forbesii in areas with poor drainage. Ensure there is good air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering. Remove and destroy infected leaves, stems, or plant debris. Fungicides can also help control fungal diseases, but they should be used in combination with other management practices.
Pest management:
Bidens forbesii Sherff ssp. forbesii is susceptible to various pests, including thrips, spider mites, nematodes, and aphids. Thrips are small, slender insects that damage the leaves and flowers by sucking the sap. Spider mites are a common pest that causes yellowing, stippling, and webbing on the leaves. Nematodes are microscopic worms that cause damage to the roots. Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing curling and distortion.
To manage pests, use insecticides, including neem oil and insecticidal soap. These are environmentally friendly and will help control pest populations. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can attract pests. Use sticky traps to catch flying pests like thrips, whiteflies, and fungus gnats. Regular inspection and prompt action are crucial to manage pest problems before they get out of control.
