General Description
Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as Rocky Mountain Beggartick, thin-stemmed tickseed, or Rocky Mountain bur-marigold. The plant is native to North America and is known to grow in rocky, moist soils in different regions of the continent.
Appearance
The Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff plant typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet and spreads to about 1-2 feet wide. It has a thin, erect stem that is green, but its color can change to brownish-red as it ages. The leaves are also green and sometimes have a purplish tint on the undersides. The plant has yellow, daisy-like flowers with a diameter of about 1 inch that bloom from July to September. The flowers have a central disk surrounded by several petals.
Uses
The Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff plant has been used for various medicinal purposes by indigenous people for many years. Infusions made from the plant's leaves and flowers are used to treat stomach pain, coughs, and colds. Additionally, a poultice made from the leaves is used to treat skin infections and wounds. The plant is also grown for ornamental purposes due to its bright, yellow flowers.
Rocky Mountain Beggartick can be a great addition to a garden with its beautiful flowers and unique properties. It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to attract beneficial insects to their gardens.
Light Requirements
Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. In areas with intense sunlight, it is best to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day. This plant is not well adapted to grow in low light conditions as it needs at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff is between 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F). This plant cannot tolerate frost or extreme heat, and in such conditions, it will either go dormant or die. It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are moist but not waterlogged. It thrives in fertile soils rich in organic matter, with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including sandy or rocky soils, but does not do well in compacted or heavy soils.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff, commonly known as Arizona beggarticks or tickseed sunflower, is a hardy perennial plant that can survive in various growing conditions. This plant prefers full sun exposure, although it can tolerate some shade during the hottest part of the day. It thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. Arizona beggarticks grow well in rocky soil, sandy soil, or loam.
Plant the seeds of Arizona beggarticks in early spring after the last frost, or in the fall. The plant requires moderate watering in its first year of growth, but it can adapt to dry conditions once established. Adding a layer of mulch around the plant's base can help regulate soil moisture and temperature.
Watering Needs
Arizona beggarticks requires moderate watering to become established, but it can tolerate dry conditions once it has matured. It is important to wait between watering sessions, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal infections. The plant can grow in a variety of soil conditions: rocky, sandy, or loam, as long as the soil is well-draining.
Fertilization
Arizona beggarticks is a hardy plant that does not require frequent fertilization. However, a slow-release, balanced fertilizer can help promote healthy growth. Apply fertilizer in the early spring and again in mid-summer. Follow the package instructions for the recommended amount and application method.
Pruning
Arizona beggarticks does not require significant pruning. However, deadheading can help promote continuous blooming. Deadheading is the process of removing the spent flowers, which will encourage the growth of new blooms. Cut back the plant in the fall if you wish to reduce its height, or if it has become leggy. Keep the plant tidy by removing any damaged or diseased stems throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff
Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff, commonly known as Rocky Mountain beggarticks or Rocky Mountain tickseed, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family.
There are several methods to propagate Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the natural way this plant propagates in the wild. To propagate the plant in a garden setting, the seeds should be directly sown in well-draining soil. Seeds should be collected when they are fully mature and dry. Plant the seeds in a location with full sun exposure and keep the soil moist. Germination should occur within 1-3 weeks.
Division Propagation
Dividing Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff is a convenient way to propagate the plant. This is best done in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the root clumps with a sharp knife or shovel. Each division should have roots and shoots attached. Replant the divisions in a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist until the roots are established.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation by cuttings is possible but can be challenging with Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff. Cuttings should be taken in the spring when new growth appears, and the plant is actively growing. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from the ends of healthy stems and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Place the container in a location with bright but indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist until the cuttings develop roots.
Propagation of Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff can be achieved in several ways depending on the grower's preference and availability of resources.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases that affect Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff is powdery mildew. This fungal disease typically appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Additionally, apply a fungicide that contains sulfur or a biological fungicide like Bacillus subtilis to control the spread of powdery mildew.
Another fungal disease that can affect Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff is leaf spot. This disease manifests as circular, brown spots on leaves and can cause them to yellow and drop prematurely. Fungicides containing copper or benzimidazole can help prevent the spread of leaf spot.
Pest Management
One of the most common pests that can cause damage to Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff is spider mites. These insects are tiny and can be difficult to spot but will cause leaves to appear speckled and yellow. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Another pest that can affect Bidens lineata Sherff var. tenuipes Sherff is thrips. These insects are only a few millimeters in length and typically feed on young leaves and flowers. The damage caused by thrips appears as white or silver-colored streaks on leaves. Use insecticides containing spinosad or pyrethrin to control the population of thrips.
