Overview of Bidens Polylepis Blake var. Retrorsa Sherff
Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff is a herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Beggarticks, Sticky Beggarticks, Retrorsa Beggarticks, or Polytip Beggarticks. These names are given based on its habitat, the stickiness of its fruits, and the backward-pointing bristles beneath each fruit tip, respectively. The plant is native to North America and commonly found in the western region of the United States and Canada.
Description of Bidens Polylepis Blake var. Retrorsa Sherff
The Bidens Polylepis Blake var. Retrosa Sherff stems usually grow up to a height of 1 to 3 feet and have a sparse distribution of leaves. The leaves are simple, opposite, sessile, and slightly serrated with a length range of 3 to 12 cm. The plant bears numerous small yellow flowers, each measuring around 1 cm in diameter, blooming between July to September. Each flower has 5 to 8 petal-like ray florets surrounding a yellow disk-like cluster of 10 to 20 tubular disk florets.
The fruit of the plant consists of an oblong, compressed, and ribbed achene, often covered with rough hairs and hooked bristles, which stick on any medium that comes into contact with them, either clothing or animal fur. These bristles are usually barbed and spread the seeds when the achene gets detached from the plant.
Uses of Bidens Polylepis Blake var. Retrorsa Sherff
Bidens Polylepis Blake var. Retrosa Sherff plants have some medicinal uses in the form of infusions and poultices. The herb is believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is purported to help alleviate bronchial congestion. The plant is also used to prepare natural dyes, wherein its flowers produce a yellow dye that can be used for dyeing wool and silk. In addition, the plant is a source of food and shelter for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Light Requirements
Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff thrives in full sun to partial shade. This plant requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to grow optimally. However, in hotter regions, it will benefit from some afternoon shade to avoid heat stress.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers a moderate climate. The optimum temperature range for Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff is between 60-75°F (15-24°C). This plant is also fairly resilient to cold weather and can survive light frosts.
Soil Requirements
Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff prefers well-drained, moist soil and can even tolerate slightly wet soils. This plant can grow in a range of soil types such as sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. It is essential to avoid waterlogging the soil and provide adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff is a low-growing, herbaceous plant that can thrive in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. It grows best in full sun to partial shade.
Propagation is usually done through seeds, which can be planted directly in the soil or started indoors and transplanted later. When planting outside, it is vital to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
Watering Needs
Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff prefers moderate moisture, and the soil must remain damp but not waterlogged. Watering should be done regularly, especially during dry spells, to ensure the plant's survival. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is essential to let the soil dry out partially between watering intervals.
Fertilization
For optimal growth, Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff requires a balanced fertilizer applied once every two weeks during the growing season. However, fertilization may not be necessary if the soil is rich in nutrients.
Pruning
Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff is a self-cleaning plant and does not require pruning. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more flowers. However, it is best to avoid cutting back too much of the plant as it may affect its overall growth and appearance.
Propagation Methods
Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff can be propagated through various methods, including through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The most common method of propagation for Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the mature plant and can be directly sown in the ground or can be started indoors and then transplanted to the ground. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring season.
The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and should be lightly covered with soil. They should be kept moist and warm until they start to germinate, which can take up to three weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the parent plant in the spring or early summer and should be around four to six inches long.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in soil that is well-draining and moist. They should be kept in an area with bright, indirect light and should be misted regularly to maintain humidity. After a few weeks, roots will start to develop, and the plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Propagation through cuttings is a good option for gardeners who want to ensure that the new plant will be a clone of the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff
Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff is a perennial plant that can be affected by various diseases and pests. Proper management techniques can help minimize the impact and prevent further damage.
Common Diseases
Some common diseases that affect Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff include:
- Leaf spots: These are caused by fungi and can cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves.
- Mildew: A fungal disease that can cause a white powdery coating on the foliage, stems, and flowers.
- Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can cause the plant’s roots to rot, which can lead to wilting, yellowing, or browning of leaves.
Disease Management
To manage diseases in Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff, follow these tips:
- Use disease-free seeds or plants when starting a new garden.
- Water the plant at the base instead of the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal spores causing diseases.
- Avoid overcrowding the plants as it can lead to poor air circulation, which can cause the spread of diseases.
- Prune any infected parts and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of diseases.
- If the disease is severe, use fungicides as directed by the manufacturer.
Common Pests
Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff is also susceptible to insect pests, such as:
- Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl or become distorted.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that can cause yellowish or whitish spots on the leaves and webbing on the plants.
- Thrips: These are slender insects that pierce the leaves to suck sap causing the leaves to become discolored.
Pest Management
To manage pests in Bidens polylepis Blake var. retrorsa Sherff, follow these tips:
- Introduce natural predators like ladybirds or lacewings to control insect populations.
- Spray the plant with insecticidal soap or oil as directed by the manufacturer.
- Use physical barriers like a row cover to prevent pests from infesting the plants.
- Practice good garden hygiene by removing any dead or decaying plants which can harbor insect pests.
