Overview
Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz is a herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family and subfamily Asteroideae. It is also known by several common names such as Hairy-fruited Beggarstick, Tickseed Sunflower, Meadowbeggar, and Bushy-fruit Bur-marigold. This native plant is prevalent in North America and can be found in the majority of Canadian provinces and numerous states in the USA.
Description
Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz is a fast-growing plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and 1 meter wide. It has a straight, branched stem with toothed green leaves that have a pointed end. The plant’s flowers are small, yellow petals with a dark center, and usually bloom from August to October. The fruit is a hairy burr that has two to four sharp, barbed awns that can easily attach to animal furs or clothing.
Uses
The Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz plant has several uses in various fields. It is an excellent source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant's leaves, roots, and seeds have been used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes for decades. The roots were used to treat toothache, headaches, and menstrual cramps, while the seeds were boiled and consumed as food. Additionally, the plant's fruit and seeds were used by indigenous people as a source of fiber to make cordage.
Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz is a beneficial plant for the aquatic ecosystem, as it helps prevent soil erosion. It also serves as a food source and habitat for aquatic animals, including fish and turtles.
Cultivation
Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz can be easily cultivated in gardens and landscapes. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to light shade. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can spread quickly, so regular pruning and maintenance are necessary to prevent overgrowth and promote a healthy plant. Propagation can be done by seed, and the plant can self-seed if given the right condition.
In conclusion, Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz is a beautiful and multi-purpose plant that can benefit the environment and humans in different ways. Its characteristic features, including its yellow flowers, hairy fruit, and medicinal properties, make it an essential plant in North America's ecosystem.
Growth Conditions for Bidens Lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz
Bidens Lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz, also known as hairy-fruited beggarticks, is a native perennial plant to North America. It is a low-maintenance plant that typically grows in moist habitats such as wet meadows, stream banks, and lake shores. Under the right conditions, it can grow up to 6 feet tall.
Light Requirements
Bidens Lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. In areas where summers are hot, it is advisable to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the plant from getting burnt.
Soil Requirements
Bidens Lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz thrives in moist, well-drained soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter. The pH range should be between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate sandy or clay soils as long as they are not water-logged.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens Lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz can withstand a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. It is a cool-season plant that typically likes temperatures between 60°F to 80°F. The plant can survive frost but will require some protection from extreme cold.
Water Requirements
Bidens Lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz requires regular watering. The soil should be moist but not water-logged. During the growing season, the plant should be watered weekly. During hot and dry conditions, the plant will require more frequent watering. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot.
Fertilizer Requirements
Bidens Lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz is not a heavy feeder. However, it can benefit from occasional fertilization. A balanced fertilizer should be applied in early spring and late summer. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Cultivation methods for Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz
Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz is a herbaceous perennial plant with a shrubby appearance. It is relatively easy to grow and thrives in moist, well-draining soils with full sun exposure. The plant can grow up to a height of 3 meters and can spread up to 2 meters, forming dense clumps of growth.
Propagation of Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz can be done via seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be sown directly into the soil, and cuttings can be taken from mature plants. The plant grows rapidly, and regular pruning is necessary to keep it in shape.
Watering needs for Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz
Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz requires moderate watering during its growing season, from spring to late summer. Overwatering must be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. The plant needs to be watered only when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. During the winter months, the plant can go into dormancy, and watering should be reduced.
Fertilization of Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz
Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every two weeks during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as compost and well-rotted manure can also be used. Care must be taken not to over-fertilize, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced blooming.
Pruning of Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape of Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz and promote healthy growth. Deadheading or removing spent blooms regularly encourages the plant to produce more flowers. The plant can be pruned back to half its size in late winter or early spring to promote new growth. Regular pruning also helps to control the size of the plant and prevent spreading.
Propagation of Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz
Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz also known as Hairy-fruited beggarticks is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and can be propagated through several means.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Bidens lasiocarpa is through seed propagation. The seeds are collected from the plant during the late summer or fall seasons. To ensure the viability of the seeds, it is recommended to allow the seeds to air-dry or stored in a cool, dry place.
The best period for sowing the seeds is during the spring season when temperatures are warm and frost is no longer a concern. It is recommended to sow the seeds in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. The depth should be about 1/16 inches deep, and the pot must be kept moist.
The pot should be placed in a bright area, but out of direct sunlight. Germination happens within 14 to 21 days, and the seedlings can be transplanted into the garden after they have grown to about 2 inches in height.
Cutting Propagation
Another means of propagating Bidens lasiocarpa is through cutting propagation. This method is generally not as successful as seed propagation. Choose a healthy plant stem and cut a 3-4 inch length from the end of it. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture.
The cutting should be kept moist, but not overly wet, and also ensure that the container for the cutting is placed in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight. The cutting will establish roots within a few weeks, after which it can be transplanted in the garden.
Dividing
The division is another means of propagating Bidens lasiocarpa. The ideal time for division is during the early spring before new growth has started, or during the fall season when the growing season has ended. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the root ball into sections. Each section should have good roots and stems.
Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. The sections should be kept moist, but not overwatered, until new growth starts. Transplanting the divided sections in the garden can happen after the roots have established, and new growth has begun.
Propagation of Bidens lasiocarpa is relatively straightforward, and it can be done through seed propagation, cutting propagation, or division. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to the gardener to choose the method that is most convenient.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz
Bidens lasiocarpa O.E.Schulz, commonly known as hairy-fruited beggarticks, is a herbaceous flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and found in wetland habitats. Like any other plant, Bidens lasiocarpa is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that may impede its growth and productivity. Proper disease and pest management practices can help prevent or reduce the damage done to the plant.
Common Diseases
Bidens lasiocarpa is highly susceptible to fungal infections, which can cause leaf spots and blights. Anthracnose and powdery mildew are among the most common fungal diseases that affect this plant. Besides fungi, bacterial infections also pose a threat to the plant's health. Bacterial leaf spots and blights can be destructive, causing leaves to wither and die. Viral infections are rare but can cause severe damage.
Pest Management
Aphids and spider mites are the most common pests that infest Bidens lasiocarpa. Aphids feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to curl and become distorted. Spider mites, on the other hand, suck out the plant's fluids, causing leaves to turn yellow and dry out. It is crucial to control these pests before they cause significant damage.
Disease Management
Prevention is the key to managing plant diseases. Avoid overhead irrigation, as it can create a humid environment that encourages fungal growth. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to help prevent fungal spores from settling on leaves. Remove and destroy any infected plant debris and avoid over-fertilizing the plant, which can create a susceptible environment for bacterial infections. Use disease-resistant cultivars when available.
If the plant is infected, fungicides and bactericides may be used to control the spread of the disease. Carefully follow the instructions on the label and apply evenly over the entire plant, including the bottom of the leaves. Treat the plant early to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Control
Physical control methods, such as handpicking and pruning, can be effective in managing pests. Use a strong stream of water to dislodge and remove aphids from the plant. Spider mites can be controlled by releasing natural predators, such as ladybugs, or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil. Follow the instructions on the label and avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides, which can harm beneficial insects.
Cultural practices, such as regular weeding and proper hygiene, can also help prevent pest infestations. Remove weeds that can serve as alternate hosts for pests. Clean garden tools and equipment to prevent the spread of pests.
Overall, proper disease and pest management practices can help keep Bidens lasiocarpa healthy and productive, ensuring its beauty and contributions to a thriving ecosystem.
