Overview:
Bidens setigera (Sch.Bip. ex Vatke) Sherff subsp. setigera, also known as the swamp beggar-ticks, is a perennial plant belonging to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is native to North America and is found in wetlands, marshes, and swamps.
Appearance:
The swamp beggar-ticks plant can grow up to 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It has dark green, deeply lobed leaves that can reach up to 6 inches long. The plant produces yellow, daisy-like flowers with toothed petals that bloom from late summer to early fall. The flowers are followed by small, flat, oval-shaped fruits with barbed bristles that easily stick to clothing or animal fur, aiding in seed dispersal.
Common names:
Swamp beggar-ticks is the most commonly used name for this plant. It is also referred to as devil's sticktight, Spanish needles, and pitchfork weed.
Uses:
Despite its pesky fruit, Bidens setigera has cultural and medicinal uses. The Cherokee used a decoction of the leaves to wash sores, while the Seminole smoked the dried leaves. The tea made from the roots was used to treat stomach pain and diarrhea. The plant also provides food for wildlife such as waterfowl and songbirds.
Light Requirements
Bidens setigera subsp. setigera thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires a minimum of six hours of daylight for optimal growth and cannot tolerate full shade. If placed in a shaded location, Bidens setigera subsp. setigera may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens setigera subsp. setigera is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is native to North America and can withstand freezing temperatures during the dormant season. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 60°F to 85°F. If the temperature consistently exceeds 90°F, the plant may experience heat stress and require additional watering.
Soil Requirements
Bidens setigera subsp. setigera prefers well-draining soil that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged. The ideal soil pH range is between 5.5 and 7.5. It can also grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Before planting, it is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter to improve its structure and nutrient content.
Cultivation Methods for Bidens setigera (Sch.Bip. ex Vatke) Sherff subsp. setigera
When selecting the location to grow Bidens setigera, choose an area with well-draining soil and full sun. This plant prefers areas with moderate moisture and can withstand occasional flooding without sustaining damage.
Bidens setigera can grow up to 6 feet wide and tall, so ensure that you plant it at least 3 feet apart from other plants to allow for proper growth and development.
Watering Needs of Bidens setigera (Sch.Bip. ex Vatke) Sherff subsp. setigera
Water the plant regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering can vary depending on the weather and soil conditions. If the soil feels dry to the touch, then it's time to water the plant.
It's also essential to avoid watering the Bidens setigera during the evening as this can cause fungal infections. Instead, water it in the morning to allow time for the leaves to dry out during the day.
Fertilizing Bidens setigera (Sch.Bip. ex Vatke) Sherff subsp. setigera
You can use a general-purpose fertilizer to help encourage growth in the Bidens setigera. Apply the fertilizer in the early spring or late winter as this is when the plant is emerging from dormancy.
Avoid fertilizing the plant during the hot summer months as this can lead to damage or even death. It's important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully and not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can cause nutrient burn.
Pruning Bidens setigera (Sch.Bip. ex Vatke) Sherff subsp. setigera
It's not necessary to prune the Bidens setigera regularly, but deadheading the flowers can help encourage new growth and extend the flowering period. If you want to shape the plant, then prune it during the early spring before new growth appears.
Make sure to use clean and sharp pruning shears or scissors, and avoid cutting too far into the stems, as this can damage the plant. Remove any dead or damaged stems or leaves as soon as they appear to prevent disease or pests from spreading.
Propagation of Bidens setigera subsp. setigera
Bidens setigera subsp. setigera can be propagated using various methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Bidens setigera subsp. setigera can be collected from mature plants during the fall season. The seeds can be sown immediately or stored in a cool and dry location until the following spring. The seeds need to be stratified for at least a month before planting. Stratification can be achieved by mixing the seeds with moist sand and storing them at a temperature range of 1-5°C. Seeds need to be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist. Germination should take place within a week or two.
Division
Bidens setigera subsp. setigera can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes of mature plants. It is best to divide the plant during the fall or spring when new growth begins. Carefully dig up the plant, separate the rhizomes, and replant them. Be sure to keep the divisions well-watered until they are established.
Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from Bidens setigera subsp. setigera during the summer months. Cut a 6-inch section of stem that has at least two leaf nodes. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant the cutting in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and provide shade until new growth emerges.
Tissue Culture
Bidens setigera subsp. setigera can also be propagated by tissue culture. This method involves growing cells in a nutrient-rich medium under sterile conditions. Tissue culture is commonly used for mass production and can produce identical plants with desirable traits.
Disease Management for Bidens Setigera
Bidens Setigera is a relatively robust plant which is resistant to most diseases. However, sometimes it may be affected by a few diseases, especially in its natural habitat. Here are some effective ways to manage diseases that may affect Bidens Setigera:
- Use appropriate fungicides as directed by a professional in the event of fungal infections. Ensure that the fungicides are organic and suitable for use on the plant to avoid damaging the plant and any other beneficial organisms in the soil.
- Practicing proper plant hygiene by regularly removing any debris that may harbor fungal spores will go a long way in preventing fungal infections from spreading.
- When planting, ensure that the plants are adequately spaced to help prevent overcrowding and the spread of diseases from one plant to the next.
Pest Management for Bidens Setigera
Bidens Setigera is prone to a few pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that may affect Bidens Setigera and ways to manage them:
- Caterpillars - Use organic pesticides as a last resort to avoid disturbing the ecosystem. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs that can feed on the caterpillars to manage their numbers.
- Squash Bugs - These pests can be handpicked to prevent them from laying eggs on the plant. Introduce beneficial insects that can feed on the squash bugs to manage their numbers.
- Slugs and Snails - Introduce natural predators and provide suitable hiding places to help reduce slug and snail infestations. You can also sprinkle salt around the soil to get rid of them without introducing chemicals.
