Origin
Bidens mitis (Michx.) Sherff var. leptophylla (Nutt.) Small, commonly known as the narrowleaf beggartick, is a native North American plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It can be found in the eastern and central regions of the United States and Canada.
Common Names
Some of the common names for Bidens mitis (Michx.) Sherff var. leptophylla (Nutt.) Small include the narrowleaf beggartick, slender-leaved beggarticks, tickseeds, or swamp marigold.
Uses
The narrowleaf beggartick has several uses, both medicinal and non-medicinal. Native Americans used the plant for various medicinal purposes, including the treatment of colds, flu, stomach problems, and skin irritations. The plant contains flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, making it popular in traditional medicine.
The plant is also used for ornamental purposes, as it produces beautiful yellow flowers that bloom between August and October. It is frequently used in wildflower gardens, naturalized areas, and prairies.
Aside from medicinal and ornamental uses, the plant serves as a valuable food source for wildlife, such as butterflies, bees, and birds. The seeds of the narrowleaf beggartick are a primary food for various bird species.
General Appearance
The narrowleaf beggartick has thin stems that can grow up to three feet in height. The leaves are long and narrow, with a slightly serrated edge, and grow opposite each other on the stem. The plant produces small yellow flowers, which resemble daisies, and bloom in clusters at the top of the plant. The flowers give way to long, thin seeds, which stick to clothing and animal fur, earning the plant the name "beggartick." The plant prefers moist soil and can grow in partial or full sun.
Growth Conditions for Bidens mitis (Michx.) Sherff var. leptophylla (Nutt.) Small
Light Requirements: Bidens mitis (Michx.) Sherff var. leptophylla (Nutt.) Small requires full sun exposure for healthy growth. This plant cannot tolerate shade or partial sun exposure. It is best to plant this species in areas with direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements: This species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Bidens mitis (Michx.) Sherff var. leptophylla (Nutt.) Small can grow successfully in temperatures as low as -26°C up to 40°C. However, the ideal temperature range for growth is between 21°C to 32°C.
Soil Requirements: Bidens mitis (Michx.) Sherff var. leptophylla (Nutt.) Small prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not overly wet. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay. However, the pH of the soil should be between 5.0 to 7.5 to prevent any nutrient deficiencies.
Fertilizer Requirements: Bidens mitis (Michx.) Sherff var. leptophylla (Nutt.) Small does not require heavy fertilization. However, applying a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can help promote healthy growth and blooms. It is best to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and apply the fertilizer sparingly.
Water Requirements: This plant prefers consistent moisture levels in the soil. It is important to prevent the soil from becoming overly dry or waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during extended periods of hot and dry weather.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens mitis (Michx.) Sherff var. leptophylla (Nutt.) Small prefers well-draining soil that is moderately fertile. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. The plant needs full sun to thrive and can tolerate some shade. Ensure that the plant gets enough space to grow and avoid overcrowding.
Watering Needs
Bidens mitis (Michx.) Sherff var. leptophylla (Nutt.) Small requires regular watering, especially during the summer months. Ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate some drought but thrives best in consistently moist soil. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Bidens mitis (Michx.) Sherff var. leptophylla (Nutt.) Small benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK formula, to feed the plant every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months, as the plant is in a dormant state.
Pruning
Bidens mitis (Michx.) Sherff var. leptophylla (Nutt.) Small benefits from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to remove the top growth of the plant. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant's height at a time to avoid shocking it. Prune in the early spring before the growing season.
Propagation of Bidens mitis var. leptophylla
Bidens mitis var. leptophylla, also known as the Southern Swamp Marigold, can be propagated through two methods: seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Bidens mitis var. leptophylla is through collecting and planting seeds. The seeds are relatively small and can be found inside the flower heads of the plant. Wait until the flowers have wilted and turned a brownish color before collecting the heads. Remove the seeds and allow them to dry before planting.
Plant the seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix, either in small pots or trays. Cover them lightly with soil and water until the soil is evenly moist. The seeds should be kept in a warm, bright location and watered regularly until they germinate. Germination typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Bidens mitis var. leptophylla can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken in the summer months. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants that are free from disease and pests. Choose a stem that is relatively new, about 4-6 inches in length, and remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and place it in a well-draining potting mix. Water the soil until it is evenly moist and cover the pot with a plastic bag to help retain moisture and humidity. Place the pot in a bright, warm location but not in direct sunlight. Water the cutting regularly until it develops roots, which typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Disease Management
Bidens mitis (Michx.) Sherff var. leptophylla (Nutt.) Small is generally robust and resistant to diseases. However, the plant may be occasionally attacked by some fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot diseases.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that creates a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be managed by ensuring proper plant spacing, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides. Moreover, infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed to avoid spreading the disease.
Leaf spot diseases are caused by fungi and bacteria that lead to the formation of brown or black spots on the leaves. The best way to manage leaf spot diseases is to remove and destroy infected plant parts. Additionally, a well-drained soil, proper plant spacing, and good air circulation can help prevent this disease.
Pest Management
Bidens mitis (Michx.) Sherff var. leptophylla (Nutt.) Small is usually resistant to pests. However, certain insects may cause significant damage to the plant if left unchecked.
One common pest affecting this plant is the whitefly. These insects can suck the sap from the leaves, leaving them yellow and withered. They also produce a sticky substance known as honeydew, which attracts ants and encourages the growth of black sooty mold. To control whiteflies, natural predators such as lady beetles and lacewings can be introduced. Additionally, yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, and neem oil can also help manage whiteflies.
Another pest that can attack Bidens mitis (Michx.) Sherff var. leptophylla (Nutt.) Small is the spider mite. These tiny, spider-like insects feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing, curling, and browning of the leaves. Applying soapy water or neem oil can help control spider mites. Also, natural predators such as predatory mites, lady beetles, and lacewings can be introduced to manage the infestation.
In conclusion, Bidens mitis (Michx.) Sherff var. leptophylla (Nutt.) Small generally stays healthy and disease-free with proper care. Diseases and pests can be managed by keeping the plant healthy, maintaining good plant hygiene, and applying appropriate pest and disease management strategies.
