Overview of Bidens obtusiloba Sherff
Bidens obtusiloba Sherff, commonly known as Hairy Beggarticks or Bearded Beggars-tick, is a member of the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to North America, mainly found in the southern and eastern regions of the United States, including Texas, Florida, and Georgia. It thrives in wet habitats such as marshes, swamps, and floodplains. This plant is widespread and is sometimes considered a weed due to its ability to grow and spread rapidly with ease.
General Appearance and Characteristics
Bidens obtusiloba Sherff grows up to a height of 1.5 meters (5 feet), with a woody stem that is covered in short hairs. The leaves are opposite, stalkless, toothed, and lance-shaped, with a pointed tip. They also have fine hairs that cover the surface of the leaves, making them feel rough to the touch. The plant produces yellow flowers with both disk and ray florets.
The fruits of Bidens obtusiloba Sherff are achenes, which are narrow, seed-like fruits with long, hair-like projections. The flowers and fruits are borne on long stems that grow from the leaf axils.
Uses
Bidens obtusiloba Sherff has both medicinal and culinary uses. The plant contains essential oils, tannins, and flavonoids. Native Americans used the roots and leaves of the plant to treat various medical conditions, including infections, arthritis, and fever. The leaves were also used as a poultice to soothe skin irritations such as insect bites and stings.
The greens of the plant have a bitter taste and can be used as a salad or cooked like spinach. The young leaves are edible, but caution should be taken as they may contain toxins when consumed in large quantities.
In conclusion, Bidens obtusiloba Sherff is a versatile plant that has both medicinal and culinary uses. Although considered a weed by some, it adds beauty and diversity to the ecosystem and is an important part of North American flora.
Growth Conditions for Bidens Obtusiloba Sherff
Light: Bidens obtusiloba Sherff plants require full sun exposure to partial shade. However, they prefer full sun and grow best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature: These plants grow well in warm temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C). They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C). However, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40°F (4°C) can harm them.
Soil Requirements: Bidens obtusiloba Sherff plants prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. They can also tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter and capable of retaining moisture levels without becoming waterlogged. To promote good drainage, add sand or perlite to the soil.
Water: These plants require regular watering, especially in the summer months, to prevent the soil from drying out. Water them at least once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Avoid over-watering or allowing the soil to become too dry, as this can stress the plant.
Fertilizer: Bidens obtusiloba Sherff plants require regular fertilization to support their growth and blooming. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) ratios every two weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Propagation: Bidens obtusiloba Sherff plants can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or fall, and cuttings should be taken in summer. Ensure that the soil is moist and warm during propagation, providing the plant with the necessary rooting hormones to encourage healthy root development.
Pruning: Bidens obtusiloba Sherff plants do not require regular pruning but benefit from occasional trimming. Trim back the plant in early spring to promote new growth and in summer after blooming has ceased to encourage a bushier and sturdier plant.
Cultivation Methods for Bidens Obtusiloba Sherff
Bidens obtusiloba Sherff thrives in warm and humid environments. Plant the seeds or seedlings in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. This plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. However, it prefers a rich, fertile soil to grow and flourish.
Plant the seedlings in a location with full sun exposure. This plant requires at least six hours of bright, direct sunlight daily. A planting location away from dense, overshadowing trees or buildings would contribute to better plant growth.
Watering Needs for Bidens Obtusiloba Sherff
Bidens obtusiloba Sherff requires frequent watering, especially during the dry season. The plant needs moist but not soggy soil to grow properly. Water the plants twice a week or more if the weather is hot and dry. Be careful not to overwater and cause root rot.
It is advisable to irrigate this plant in the morning to allow the leaves to dry off before evening. Water on the foliage that stays overnight may lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization for Bidens Obtusiloba Sherff
During the growing season, Bidens obtusiloba Sherff requires regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer at least once a month. Fertilizer with a high amount of nitrogen will help the plant grow quickly. However, avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause the plant to produce more foliage than flowers.
Always follow the instructions on the package of the fertilizer to avoid over-fertilizing, burning the plant, or causing environmental pollution.
Pruning for Bidens Obtusiloba Sherff
Regular pruning will keep Bidens obtusiloba Sherff tidy and promote better flowering throughout the growing season. Remove dead or diseased leaves and flowers to prevent the spread of diseases.
Deadheading spent flowers is also essential to encourage more blooming. Pinch or cut the spent flowers where the stem meets the main stem. Avoid cutting the main stem or leaves as it will affect the plant's growth and flowering.
Propagation of Bidens Obtusiloba Sherff
Bidens obtusiloba Sherff is commonly known as the Oregon beggarticks. It is a beautiful flowering plant with small yellow blooms that bloom from late summer through fall. It can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and prefers moist soil. Propagation of this plant is relatively easy.
Propagation Methods
There are different methods of propagating Bidens obtusiloba Sherff, which include:
1. Seed Propagation
The most common and easiest method of propagation is growing the plant by seeds. Bidens obtusiloba Sherff produces small seeds that are easy to harvest, store and germinate. The seeds can be planted directly into the soil in spring or fall. Before planting, the seeds should be stratified in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a few weeks. This is done to simulate the natural winter conditions that the seeds experience in their natural habitat.
2. Cutting Propagation
Another propagation method is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking 4-6 inch sections of stem and rooting them in soil or water. The cuttings should be taken from the plant in spring after new growth begins and should be planted in well-draining soil. To promote rooting, the lower leaves should be removed from the cuttings, and a rooting hormone can be applied to the stem.
3. Division
Bidens obtusiloba Sherff can also be propagated by division. This process involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring before new growth begins. Dig up the plant and gently separate it into smaller sections, making sure each section has roots. These sections can then be replanted into new locations, and they will grow into new plants.
Overall, Bidens obtusiloba Sherff is an easy plant to propagate and maintain. With the right care, it will grow into a stunning addition to any garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens Obtusiloba Sherff
Bidens obtusiloba Sherff, also known as Hairy Beggarticks, is a herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant’s natural habitats include wooded slopes, thickets, meadows, and fields, it requires abundant sunlight and moist, well-draining soil. Like any other plant species, B. obtusiloba Sherff is susceptible to diseases and pests, which ultimately affect its health, growth, and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases and pests affecting B. obtusiloba Sherff and the management practices:
Common Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Fungal diseases can be detrimental to Bidens obtusiloba Sherff, leading to yellowing, wilting, and eventual death of the plant. One of the common fungal infections affecting B. obtusiloba Sherff is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew thrives in humid and wet environments, characterized by powdery white mildew spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Management practices to control powdery mildew include planting disease-resistant cultivars, applying fungicides, and ensuring excellent air circulation.
Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial diseases are also problematic for B. obtusiloba Sherff, causing the plant’s leaves to wilt, yellow, and eventually crumble. One of the bacterial infections affecting this plant is bacterial leaf spot, characterized by dark spots surrounded by yellow halos on the leaves. Proper management practices to control bacterial infections include the use of disease-free plant material, crop rotation, and avoiding overhead irrigation.
Viral Diseases: Some viral infections can cause stunted growth, yellow leaves, and death of the plant. Common viral infections affecting B. obtusiloba Sherff include the Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). This virus is transmitted by thrips, and controlling the pest is key to managing the virus. Other management practices include the use of virus-free seedlings and ensuring excellent sanitation measures.
Common Pests
Aphids: These soft-bodied insects suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and deformed flowers. Controlling aphids requires the use of insecticides, regular monitoring of the plant for infestation, and proper sanitation measures, such as removing infected plants.
Thrips: Thrips suck the sap from the leaves and can transmit viruses to the plant, leading to stunted growth, mottled leaves, and deformed fruits. To control thrips, one should apply insecticidal soaps and oils, avoid over-fertilization, and ensure excellent sanitation measures, such as removing debris and weeds.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and eventual browning of the leaves. They thrive under hot and dry conditions and can multiply fast, leading to damage to the plant. Applying insecticidal soaps and oils, increasing humidity levels, and removing infected plants are some of the management practices.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management in Bidens obtusiloba Sherff is crucial to ensuring healthy and productive plants. Some of the management practices include planting disease-free cultivars, using insecticidal soaps and oils, ensuring proper sanitation measures, and avoiding over-fertilization.
