Origin
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. svensonii Fassett is a plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant species is native to North America, specifically found in Canada's western regions such as British Columbia, Alberta, and Yukon.
Common Names
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. svensonii Fassett is commonly known as Arctic beggarticks, boreal beggarticks, swamp beggarticks, and mountain beggarticks.
Uses
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. svensonii Fassett has been used for traditional medicine that claimed to reduce inflammation, calm diabetes, and lower the blood's sugar levels. Some Native American tribes used this plant to cure urinary tract infections, bladder ailments, venereal diseases, and others. It is not as commercially important as the plant's Bidens alba and Bidens pilosa counterparts.
General Appearance
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. svensonii Fassett grows in moist and boggy regions such as near lakeshores, riverbanks, and wet meadows. It can grow up to 1.5 meters tall, with its leaves being simple, ovate, and toothed. This plant species has small flowers, with a yellow disc and a few ray flowers. The flowers bloom between July and September. The fruit is an achene with two barbed awns that help in its dispersal.
Light Requirements
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. svensonii Fassett typically grows well in bright, direct sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but its growth and flowering may be reduced in such conditions. Therefore, it is best to cultivate this plant in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This species prefers to grow in cool climates with temperatures ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand frost, but it may not survive in extremely hot temperatures. Therefore, it is best to grow Bidens hyperborea Greene var. svensonii Fassett in places with cooler temperatures throughout the year.
Soil Requirements
This plant species prefers well-draining, sandy soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, with a range of 6.0 to 6.5. The addition of compost or other organic materials can help provide additional nutrients to the soil. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist, but Bidens hyperborea Greene var. svensonii Fassett should not be overwatered, as excessive moisture can cause root rot.
Cultivation
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. svensonii Fassett grows well in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter, but it can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including heavy clay soils. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 3-8 and requires adequate moisture to thrive.
Watering Needs
Water the plant regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant goes dormant. Avoid getting water on the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Apply a slow-release fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium in early spring when new growth appears. Repeat the application once or twice during the growing season, following the manufacturer's instructions. Do not over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth and reduce flower production.
Pruning
Deadhead the flowers as they fade to encourage prolonged flowering. Cut back the plants in late fall or early spring before new growth appears to remove any dead or damaged branches. Pinch back the growing tips periodically to promote bushier growth and increase flower production.
Propagation of Bidens hyperborea Greene var. svensonii Fassett
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. svensonii Fassett can be propagated through various means including seedlings and cuttings.
Propagation through Seedlings
Seedlings are an effective way of propagating Bidens hyperborea Greene var. svensonii Fassett. Collect mature seeds from the plant and sow them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and ensure the temperature is maintained at around 68-77°F (20-25°C). The seeds should germinate within 2-4 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another way of propagating Bidens hyperborea Greene var. svensonii Fassett. Take cuttings from healthy plants during the growing season. Cuttings should be about 6 inches (15 cm) long and should contain at least 2-3 leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Provide warmth, moisture, and bright light until the plant establishes roots, after which it can be transplanted to a larger pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens hyperborea Greene var. svensonii Fassett
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. svensonii Fassett, commonly known as Sonoma beggarticks, is a perennial plant native to California. Like any other plant, it is also prone to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health. Therefore, it is essential to learn about the common diseases and pests that affect Sonoma beggarticks and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Sonoma beggarticks are relatively resistant to diseases. However, they may sometimes be affected by fungal diseases like powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew appears as white patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Rust appears as rusty patches on the underside of leaves, and leaf spot appears as dark spots on leaves.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Sonoma beggarticks are aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant, leading to distorted growth and the spread of disease. Caterpillars feed on the leaves, causing unsightly holes and damage to the plant. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's fluids, causing yellowing of leaves and stunted growth.
Disease Management
To manage fungal diseases, ensure proper soil drainage, reduce humidity, and avoid overcrowding the plants. You can also apply fungicides to protect plants. For pest management, you can handpick caterpillars and aphids or use insecticidal soaps and neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs to control aphid populations. Regularly inspecting plants for spider mites and using horticultural oil sprays can help manage them.
Overall, regular monitoring, good cultural practices, and quick intervention can help control diseases and pests of Sonoma beggarticks. Remember to follow label instructions when using any chemical control method.
