General Appearance
Bidens pentamera, commonly known as Southwestern marsh beggarticks, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is a perennial herb with a stem that can grow up to 1 meter tall. The leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem and are pinnately divided into 3 to 5 leaflets. The flowers are yellow and bloom from late summer to fall. The fruit is a small achene with a length of about 4-5 mm.
Origin and Distribution
Bidens pentamera is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and along streams. It can also grow in disturbed areas such as roadside ditches. This plant has been introduced and naturalized in other parts of the world such as South America, Africa, and Asia.
Common Names
Bidens pentamera has several common names including Southwestern marsh beggarticks, tickseed sunflower, five-toothed beggarticks, and lagoon bur-marigold.
Uses
Native Americans used Bidens pentamera for medicinal purposes such as treating toothaches and stomach pains. The plant also has potential use in phytoremediation, which is the use of plants to remove toxins from the soil. Bidens pentamera can absorb heavy metals such as lead and nickel from contaminated soil.
Light Requirements
Bidens pentamera (Sherff) O. Deg. & Sherff plants prefer full sun for optimal growth and development. Plants that are exposed to full sun tend to grow and flower faster than those grown under partially shaded areas. If the plant is grown under shade, it may have reduced growth and fewer flower blooms.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens pentamera (Sherff) O. Deg. & Sherff thrives in warm temperatures. It is recommended to grow this plant under temperatures between 60°F - 75°F (15°C - 23°C). This plant can tolerate most temperatures, but it may not survive frost or extremely hot temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH should be between 6.0 - 7.5. The plant grows well in sandy, loamy or clay soils. They can also adapt to slightly acidic or alkaline soils. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist to allow for optimal growth and development. Overwatering can lead to plant diseases that can affect the growth and development of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens pentamera is a perennial plant that thrives in full sun or partial shade. It can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy or clay soil, but prefers well-draining soil. The plant requires regular watering during the growing season and can tolerate drought conditions.
Propagation of Bidens pentamera can be done through seed or division of the root ball. Sowing seeds in mid-spring or early summer in well-draining soil, then covering them with 1/8" of soil, will promote germination. The plant will begin to grow after 5-10 days under ideal conditions. Dividing the root ball is best done in early spring. Dig up the plant, carefully divide the root ball, and replant in a well-draining soil mixture.
Watering Needs
Bidens pentamera requires regular watering during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. During periods of drought, increase watering to prevent the plant from drying out. Be careful not to overwater as this may cause root rot.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, it is essential to fertilize Bidens pentamera. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 analysis, once every four to six weeks during the growing season. During the dormant season, reduce the frequency of fertilization to once every two months. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer label, and be careful not to overfertilize, as this can burn the roots and foliage of the plant.
Pruning
Bidens pentamera does not require heavy pruning. However, removing dead or damaged foliage throughout the growing season can enhance the plant's appearance and promote healthy growth. After the growing season, in late fall or early winter, cut back the plant's stems by one-third to one-half of their length to promote new growth in the spring.
Propagation of Bidens pentamera (Sherff) O. Deg. & Sherff
Bidens pentamera, commonly known as tickseed sunflower, belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and is commonly found in wetlands, prairies, and meadows. The plant is grown for its bright yellow flowers that bloom from summer to fall. It is a hardy perennial that can be propagated through several methods, including seed germination, division, and stem cuttings.
Seed propagation
Bidens pentamera can be propagated through seeds, which are produced in abundance during late summer and early fall. The seeds can be collected directly from the plant and stored in a cool, dry place until planting time. They can be sown indoors in late winter or early spring or directly in the garden in the spring after the last frost date. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 inch and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes 1-2 weeks.
Division
Bidens pentamera can also be propagated through division, which involves separating the plant into smaller sections. This is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. The clump can be lifted out of the ground and divided into several sections using a sharp shovel or knife. Each section should have several stems and roots. The new sections should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they establish roots.
Stem cuttings
Bidens pentamera can also be propagated through stem cuttings, which are taken from the new growth in late spring or early summer. The stem cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the top of the plant. They should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until they develop roots. Once the roots have developed, the new plants can be transplanted into the garden.
Overall, Bidens pentamera is a hardy perennial that can be easily propagated through seed germination, division, and stem cuttings. Whether you prefer to grow it from seeds or propagate it through other methods, this plant can provide a bright burst of color to your garden for years to come.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens pentamera (Sherff) O. Deg. & Sherff
Bidens pentamera (Sherff) O. Deg. & Sherff is generally a hardy plant that is not very susceptible to diseases and pests. However, like any other plant, it may fall prey to a few common problems like the ones mentioned below:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: This is a common fungal disease that appears as white powdery patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can cause stunted growth and early leaf drop. To manage powdery mildew, use a fungicide and follow good cultural practices that promote air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
2. Leaf spot: Leaf spots are caused by fungal pathogens that cause circular or irregular brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy all infected leaves, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
3. Root rot: Root rot is caused by a soil-borne fungus that attacks the roots of the plant. It can cause wilting, yellowing, and eventually death of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and plant in well-draining soil.
Pests
1. Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and webbing on the leaves of the plant. To manage spider mites, use an insecticide or a miticide and keep the plant well-hydrated to avoid water stress.
2. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small white insects that suck sap from the leaves and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and cause sooty mold. To manage whiteflies, use an insecticide, sticky traps or a soap solution.
3. Aphids: Aphids are tiny soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant. They can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage aphids, use an insecticide, predator insects like ladybugs, or a soap solution.
4. Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that cause silvery or bronze streaks on the leaves and flowers. To manage thrips, use an insecticide or a soap solution.
In conclusion, Bidens pentamera (Sherff) O. Deg. & Sherff is generally a low-maintenance plant that requires little disease and pest management. However, it is important to monitor the plant regularly and take prompt action in case of any problems to keep the plant healthy and productive.
