Overview of Bidens puberula Wieg.
Bidens puberula Wieg. is an annual plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly called the Hairy Beggarticks or HairyBidens and is native to North America. It is widely distributed throughout the United States and can be found in many habitats including moist soils, riverbanks, and ditches.
General Appearance
Bidens puberula Wieg. is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 3 feet tall. The stems are erect, branched, and covered with small hairs. The leaves are alternate, pinnate, and also covered with hairs. The flowers are yellow and arranged in heads, with each head consisting of both ray and disk flowers. The fruit is a small, flat achene that is covered with hooks or barbs that cling to fur, clothing, or feathers.
Common Names
Bidens puberula Wieg. is commonly known as the Hairy Beggarticks or HairyBidens due to the small hairs that cover the stems and leaves. Other common names include Devil's Beggar-Ticks, Hairy Stickseed, Spanish Needles, and Tickseed Sunflower.
Uses
Bidens puberula Wieg. has been used for medicinal purposes by native Americans. Tea made from the leaves and stems was used to treat stomach ailments, diarrhea, and fever. The roots were used to relieve toothaches and sore throats. The plant's seeds were also used to treat bladder and urinary tract infections.
Besides its medicinal uses, Hairy Beggarticks has some culinary uses. The tender young leaves can be added to salads or cooked with other leafy greens. The seeds can be roasted and made into a coffee substitute.
Due to its barbed fruit, Bidens puberula Wieg. can be a nuisance plant, making it difficult to harvest crops or harvest hay. However, it does provide nectar and pollen for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is also used as a food source by birds and small mammals.
Light Requirements
Bidens puberula Wieg. is highly adaptable to a wide range of light conditions. It can grow in full sun or partial shade, but it prefers bright, indirect light. If the plant is kept in too much shade, it may produce fewer flowers and become leggy. Conversely, if it receives too much direct sunlight, the leaves may scorch.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens puberula Wieg. is a warm-weather plant that thrives in temperatures between 70°F and 85°F. It is relatively frost-tolerant and can survive brief periods of cold weather, but sensitive to prolonged frost exposure. Generally, temperatures below 50°F can harm or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Bidens puberula Wieg. is not particularly picky about soil conditions as long as it is well-draining. It can grow in sandy loam, rocky soil, or heavier clay soil. However, it prefers a soil pH of 5.8 to 6.5. Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve its fertility and water-holding capacity, which are beneficial for the growth of the plant. The soil should be kept slightly moist, but not overly wet to avoid root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens puberula Wieg., commonly known as hairy beggarticks or swamp marigold, is a plant that requires full sunlight to partial shade. It grows well in medium to wet soils that are well-drained. It is important to select a site with appropriate conditions for optimal growth of the plant. The plant should be cultivated during the spring, summer, or early fall.
Watering Needs
Bidens puberula Wieg. needs regular watering during its growing season to maintain healthy plant growth. However, it is essential not to overwater the plant as too much water can lead to root rot. The amount and frequency of irrigation would depend on the soil type and the weather condition. Check the soil regularly to ensure it is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Bidens puberula Wieg. benefits from periodic fertilization to promote healthy growth. A slow-release fertilizer applied once a month during the growing season, or a water-soluble fertilizer applied every two weeks, can support robust and healthy growth. It is key to read the instructions and apply the right amount of fertilizer.
Pruning
Bidens puberula Wieg. doesn't require much pruning; however, some people may prefer to keep it in a certain shape or organized form. Prune the plant in the late spring or early summer before they flower. To prune the plant effectively, identify the growing tips and make precise cuts with sharp pruning shears. It is also important to remove any diseased or damaged stems to keep the plant healthy and remove the dead flower heads to promote more blooms.
Propagation of Bidens puberula Wieg.
Bidens puberula Wieg., commonly known as hairy beggarticks or cobbler's pegs, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a beautiful plant that bears yellow flowers and can grow up to 1m tall. If you want to propagate Bidens puberula Wieg., you can do it either by seed or cutting.
Propagation by Seed
The easiest and most successful way to propagate Bidens puberula Wieg. is by seed. Here's how to do it:
- Gather ripe seeds from the plant after flowering. The seeds will be dark brown and have certain texture.
- Fill a seed tray with good quality potting mix.
- Sow the seeds on the surface of the mix and sprinkle some mix over them to cover them lightly.
- Water the seeds gently and regularly to keep the mix moist.
- Place the tray in a well-lit area but not under direct sunlight. The optimal temperature required for germination is around 20-25°C. The seeds will take around two to four weeks to germinate.
- When the seedlings have grown to a suitable size to be moved, transplant them to individual pots and continue to care for them until ready to plant in their permanent location.
Propagation by Cutting
Bidens puberula Wieg. can also be propagated by taking cuttings. Here's how:
- Take cuttings from the plant, ideally in spring or summer, as new growth emerges.
- Make sure to use a clean and sharp knife to make a cut just below a leaf node.
- Remove all the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
- Dip the cutting in rooting hormone.
- Fill a pot with good quality potting mix and make a hole with a pencil or stick in the center of the pot.
- Insert the cutting into the hole and firm the mix around it.
- Water the cutting gently and regularly, ensuring that the mix stays moist.
- Keep the pot in a well-lit area, out of direct sunlight, with a temperature ranging between 20-25°C.
- The roots should form within a few weeks, and the new plant will be ready to transplant into a permanent location in about six to eight weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens puberula Wieg.
Bidens puberula Wieg., commonly known as Hairy Beggarticks, is a flowering plant that belongs to the sunflower family. While this plant is relatively easy to grow and maintain, it can fall prey to various diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect the Bidens puberula and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants, including Bidens puberula. It appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers, hindering the plant's ability to produce energy through photosynthesis. To manage powdery mildew, prune the infected parts, improve air circulation around the plant, and use fungicides that contain copper sulfate or potassium bicarbonate.
2. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects Bidens puberula. It appears as circular, water-soaked lesions on the leaves, which later turn dark brown. The disease can weaken the plant and reduce its overall yield. To manage leaf spot, prune the affected parts, avoid overhead watering, remove fallen leaves from the soil, and use fungicides that contain copper or mancozeb.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck the sap out of Bidens puberula, causing the plant's leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, spray the plant with water, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, and use insecticides that contain neem oil or pyrethrins.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the underside of Bidens puberula leaves, causing yellowing and leaf drop. To manage spider mites, prune the affected parts, improve air circulation around the plant, remove any debris from around the plant, and use insecticides that contain neem oil or pyrethrins.
3. Thrips: Thrips are slender insects that feed on the flowers and leaves of Bidens puberula. They puncture the plant's cells and suck the sap out of them, causing leaves to turn pale and flowers to wither. To manage thrips, prune the affected parts, introduce natural predators like minute pirate bugs and predatory mites, and use insecticides that contain pyrethrins or spinosad.
By following these disease and pest management tips, you can keep your Bidens puberula healthy and thriving all season long.
