Overview of Bidens rubicundula Sherff
Bidens rubicundula Sherff is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is commonly known as Purplestem Beggarticks, or Red-stemmed Beggarticks. It has a unique characteristic appearance, which makes it easily recognizable among its counterparts.
Origin and Distribution
Bidens rubicundula Sherff is native to North America and is widely distributed across the eastern and central regions of the United States, Mexico and Central America. This plant thrives in wet habitats such as swamps, marshes, and shorelines.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Purplestem Beggarticks due to the purple hue of its stem and Red-stemmed Beggarticks due to the red coloration of its stem.
Uses
Bidens rubicundula Sherff is essential in providing environments for different species of insects. Butterflies, bees, and small mammals all utilize Purplestem Beggarticks as a source of food, shelter, and nesting material.
Moreover, Bidens rubicundula Sherff has traditional medicinal uses. A tea made from the leaves and roots of this plant is used to treat coughs, colds, and other respiratory conditions. It is also used as a herbal remedy for diarrhea and wounds.
General Appearance
Bidens rubicundula Sherff is an annual plant that grows up to two meters tall. It has lance-shaped leaves that are arranged oppositely along its stem that is typically branched and purple or reddish-brown in color. Its flowers are typically yellow in color, and they bloom from July to October.
Its fruits consist of tiny brown seeds that are covered with hooked prickles, which are used for dispersal. The hooked prickles easily cling to the fur of passing animals, clothing or just about anything that brushes against them. Additionally, this plant produces generous quantities of nectar, which serves as a food source for a wide range of pollinators.
Light Requirements
Bidens rubicundula Sherff, also known as red-stemmed beggarticks, typically prefers full sun exposure. This means it requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. However, it can also tolerate partial shade but may not produce as many flowers as it would if it were in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
Being native to tropical regions, Bidens rubicundula Sherff grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 70-85°F. The plant cannot withstand frost and should be protected during colder months. It can tolerate some drought but prefers to be kept moderately moist at all times.
Soil Requirements
Bidens rubicundula Sherff prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A pH range of 5.5-7.5 is ideal for the plant's growth. The soil should be moist but not water-logged as it can cause root rot. Adding mulch to the soil surface can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Overall, the plant can adapt to a wide range of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay soils.
Cultivation methods
Bidens rubicundula Sherff is an easy-to-care-for plant. It grows well in well-drained soils and is tolerant of drought and cold temperatures. It is typically grown as an annual, but can also be grown as a short-lived perennial in areas with mild winters.
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH. It can be propagated through seeds, which should be sown in the spring or early summer directly in the garden bed.
Watering needs
Bidens rubicundula Sherff prefers to be kept moderately moist, but not waterlogged. It is tolerant of drought, but will benefit from regular watering during periods of extended dryness. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the dormant season.
Fertilization
Bidens rubicundula Sherff is a light feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied twice during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning
Bidens rubicundula Sherff does not require frequent pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can prolong the blooming period. Prune back the entire plant by about one-third if it becomes leggy or overgrown. This will encourage new growth and tighter branching.
Propagation of Bidens rubicundula Sherff
Bidens rubicundula Sherff, also known as rusty swamp-daisy, is a beautiful herbaceous perennial plant commonly found in the eastern part of the United States. The plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and has rusty red flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall. Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones and there are several methods of propagating Bidens rubicundula Sherff.
Propagation by Division
Division is one of the most common ways of propagating Bidens rubicundula Sherff. The process involves dividing the main plant into smaller sections which can be replanted to establish new plants. This method is best done during early spring or late summer when the plant is not actively growing. To propagate by division, dig up the plant and carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections using a sharp knife. Make sure that each section has enough roots and foliage to produce new growth, and replant them immediately in the desired location.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation of Bidens rubicundula Sherff can also be done by seed. This method is best done in spring, and the seedlings can be planted outdoors in late spring or early summer. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds on the soil surface and lightly cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist, and the seedlings should emerge after a few weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and grow them until they are large enough for planting outdoors.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another method of propagating Bidens rubicundula Sherff. This method involves taking cuttings from the plant's stem and rooting them in a rooting hormone. Cut a 4-6 inch section of the stem from the mother plant, and remove the lower leaves leaving only the uppermost leaves intact. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil moist, and the cuttings should root in a few weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to the desired location.
Disease Management
Bidens rubicundula Sherff, commonly known as the Arizona beggarticks, is a hardy plant that is resistant to many diseases. However, it can still suffer from certain diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust.
Powdery mildew causes white powdery spots on the leaves which can spread and eventually kill the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to plant resistant varieties, ensure adequate air circulation, remove infected leaves and debris, and use fungicides if necessary.
Leaf spot, on the other hand, typically causes circular brown or black spots on the leaves. The infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent the disease from spreading. Fungicides can also be applied as a preventive measure.
Rust is a fungal disease that causes small yellow or orange spots on the leaves. Over time, the spots turn brown and cause the leaves to wither. To manage rust, remove and destroy infected leaves, apply fungicides, and ensure the plant has good air circulation and is not overcrowded.
Pest Management
Despite being a hardy plant, Bidens rubicundula Sherff can also attract pests such as aphids, spider mites, and leaf miners.
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to appear yellow and distorted. One method of managing aphids is by using a blast of water to wash them off the plant. Applying insecticidal soap can also be effective.
Spider mites cause stippling on the leaves and can cause them to drop prematurely. They thrive in hot and dry conditions, so maintaining adequate moisture levels can help prevent their infestation. Neem oil and insecticidal soap are effective in managing spider mites.
Leaf miners are larvae that tunnel through the leaves, causing visible tracks. Pesticides can be used to control leaf miners, but it is important to apply them before the larvae bore into the leaves. Removing and destroying affected leaves can also help manage leaf miner infestations.
