Overview
Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch., commonly known as the Cutleaf Beggar-ticks, is a native plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is an annual herb with yellow flowers that is widely distributed in the eastern United States.
Appearance
The Cutleaf Beggar-ticks is a branched plant that grows up to 3 feet tall. The leaves are deeply lobed and finely divided, giving them a feathery appearance. The stem and leaves are covered with hairs that provide a rough texture. The plant produces numerous yellow flowers that bloom from August to October. The flowers have a bright yellow center surrounded by multiple narrow yellow petals.
Common Names
The Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. is commonly known by several other names, including Cutleaf Beggar-ticks, Spanish needles, butterfly needles, and devil's pitchfork. Some people also refer to it simply as Bidens laciniata.
Uses
The plant has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes by various indigenous groups. The roots and leaves contain natural compounds that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The plant is also beneficial for treating urinary tract infections, digestive disorders, and respiratory problems.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the Cutleaf Beggar-ticks is also used as a wildlife habitat. The plant provides food and habitat for various insects and birds, including butterflies and bees. Some people grow it as an ornamental plant in their gardens due to its attractive yellow flowers and feathery leaves.
Light Requirements
Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. is a sun-loving plant and needs direct sunlight to thrive. It can withstand some partial shade, but the plant may become too leggy and weak with insufficient light conditions. It is best to grow Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. in an area where it can receive a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. prefers temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The plant is sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. It is best to plant Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. during the spring or early summer when the temperature is warm enough. During the winter, Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. should be protected indoors or in a greenhouse to protect from frost damage.
Soil Requirements
Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, the soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged. If the soil is too wet, it may cause root rot, which can harm the plant. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its nutrient content and help with moisture retention, resulting in healthier plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. is a hardy perennial plant native to North America. It is commonly known as Hairy Beggarticks or Devil's sticktight. This plant thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil, but it can also tolerate partial shade and heavy soil. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and has yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and fall.
The best time to plant Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. is in the spring or fall. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. The plant should be spaced out at least 12-18 inches apart to provide enough space for growth. It is essential to remove any weeds or unwanted growth around the plant as it can be aggressive.
Watering Needs
Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. prefers consistently moist soil but can also tolerate brief periods of drought. It is crucial to water the plant regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important not to water the plant excessively.
During the summer months, when temperatures are high, it is recommended to water the plant twice a week. It is best to water the plant in the early morning or late afternoon, as watering during the hottest parts of the day can cause the water to evaporate and not reach the roots.
Fertilization
Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. does not require fertilization if grown in nutrient-rich soil. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer once or twice a year, in the spring and fall, can help encourage growth and flower production. It is essential to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and not to overfertilize, as this can harm the plant.
Pruning
Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. may require pruning to promote healthy growth and flowering. Pruning should be done in late fall or early spring before new growth appears. The plant should be pruned by removing dead or damaged branches and cutting back any overgrown branches to encourage bushier growth.
It is essential to sanitize pruning tools to prevent the transmission of diseases between plants. A solution of one-part bleach and nine parts water can be used to sterilize tools before use.
Propagation of Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch.
Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. can be propagated through several methods including seed propagation, division, and cutting propagation. Successful propagation ultimately depends on several factors such as environmental conditions, soil quality, and timing.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most commonly used propagation method for Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. is propagation through seeds. The seeds are readily available and usually easy to germinate, requiring little attention. To propagate through seeds, locate a mature plant and collect the seeds during the late summer or early fall. Spread the seeds out on a flat surface to dry. Once dried, plant the seeds in well-draining soil and water them thoroughly. Keep the soil moist and in a warm location with plenty of bright light. The seeds should begin to germinate within two to three weeks.
Division
Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. can also be successfully propagated through division. This method requires an established plant, and some care must be taken when dividing the plant to ensure that each new plant receives enough roots to promote vigorous growth. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the established plant, and separate the roots into several smaller sections. Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil and water them in. Keep the soil moist and in a warm location with bright light. The newly divided plants should begin to establish roots within several weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method of propagating Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch., although it requires a bit more skill and care. To propagate through cuttings, take a stem that has no flower buds and is about four to six inches long, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the stem into rooting hormone, which can be purchased at most garden centers, and plant it in well-draining soil. Water the soil and keep it moist, and cover the cutting with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Keep it in a warm location with medium to bright light. The cutting should begin to develop roots within two to three weeks.
Disease Management for Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch.
Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. can be affected by various fungal and bacterial diseases.
One of the most common diseases that can affect the plant is powdery mildew. This disease is characterized by a white powdery substance that appears on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It is caused by several fungi species including Erysiphe cichoracearum, Podosphaera xanthii, and Golovinomyces cichoracearum. To manage this disease, it is important to practice good sanitation, remove infected plant materials, and apply fungicides.
Another disease that can affect Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch. is downy mildew. This disease is caused by a fungus called Peronospora sparsa. Downy mildew is characterized by yellowing and wilting of leaves and can lead to a reduction in plant yield. To manage this disease, it is important to practice good sanitation, remove infected plant materials, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management for Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch.
Various pests can also affect the growth and health of Bidens laciniata Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. & Asch.
One of the common pests that attacks the plant is aphids. These pests are pear-shaped and small in size and can infest the plant in large numbers. Aphids suck the sap from the plant, resulting in stunted growth and distortion of leaves. To manage aphids, it is important to introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. Pesticides can also be used.
Another pest that can affect the plant is spider mites. These pests are small, and their infestation is characterized by tiny yellowish dots on the leaves. Spider mites suck plant sap, which can result in the leaves turning yellow and eventually dying. To manage spider mites, it is important to practice good sanitation, remove infected plant materials, and apply pesticides or insecticidal soap.
Caterpillars and grasshoppers are other pests that can attack the plant. They can cause extensive damage by eating the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage caterpillars and grasshoppers, it is important to remove infected plant materials and apply insecticides when necessary.
