Overview
Bidens setigeroides Sherff, also known as the fern-leaved beggar-tick or fern-leaved bur-marigold, is a plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is an herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the United States and Mexico.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 2 feet in height and has a spread of around 3 feet. Its leaves are glossy and fern-like with serrated margins. The leaves are 4 to 6 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide. Its stem is erect, branched, and covered in small hairs. The flowers of the plant are yellow in color and grow in clusters at the ends of its branches. The fruits are small, elongated, and have hooked bristles that cling to animal fur or clothing.
Common Names
Bidens setigeroides Sherff is commonly known as fern-leaved beggar-tick or fern-leaved bur-marigold. It is also referred to as Devil's bootjack, tickseed sunflower, and Virginia beggar-ticks.
Uses
The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of health conditions such as fever and stomach ache. It is also used as a diuretic, astringent, and to treat skin conditions. The roots of the plant have been used to make a tea that helps alleviate the symptoms of diarrhea and dysentery. Bidens setigeroides Sherff is also used in ornamental gardening, as its bright yellow flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Light Requirements
Bidens setigeroides Sherff requires full sun to partial shade. It is best to place it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Bidens setigeroides Sherff is between 65°F and 75°F (18.3°C and 23.9°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) and as high as 90°F (32.2°C) with proper care.
Soil requirements
Bidens setigeroides Sherff thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is best to keep the soil pH level between 6 and 7.5. A sandy loam or loamy soil mixture with good drainage is ideal.
Cultivation of Bidens setigeroides Sherff
Bidens setigeroides Sherff is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family, commonly known as the bracted bur marigold. The plant is native to North America and can thrive in most soil types, but prefer well-drained and fertile soils.
The plant grows to a height of approximately 3 feet and has a spreading habit, making it suitable for ground cover. Bidens setigeroides Sherff can be propagated from either seed or stem-cuttings.
Watering Needs
Bidens setigeroides Sherff requires moderate watering, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the summer months, it is advisable to give the plant regular watering, especially during dry spells. On the other hand, in the winter months, the plant should receive minimal watering.
Fertilization
Bidens setigeroides Sherff requires sufficient nutrients to promote growth. A balanced fertilizer is recommended during its active growth period, which is typically during spring and summer. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to leaf burn and weak growth.
Pruning
Pruning of Bidens setigeroides Sherff is not necessary; however, it can help to promote bushier growth and maintain its overall shape. Deadheading should be done regularly to encourage the continuous blooming of the plant. The plant can be cut back to approximately 6 inches in late fall to tidy up the plant for the winter season.
Propagation of Bidens setigeroides Sherff
Bidens setigeroides Sherff, commonly known as Tickseed Sunflower, is a plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to the United States and Mexico, and it is widely grown as an ornamental plant due to its bright yellow flowers and ease of cultivation.
Propagation Methods
Bidens setigeroides Sherff can be propagated through several methods. The most common ones are:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and cheapest method of propagation. The seeds of Bidens setigeroides Sherff should be collected in autumn when they are ripe. The collected seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until the spring when they can be sown.
The seeds should be sown on the surface of moist soil in a seed tray. The tray should be placed in a warm, sunny spot. The seedlings should emerge within 14 days. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots when they have their second set of true leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation involves taking stem cuttings from an established plant and rooting them to form a new plant. Cuttings should be taken in the spring from young, healthy plants.
Cuttings should be 5-10 cm long and should be taken from the basal part of the stem. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone powder to enhance the rooting process. The cuttings should be planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss and kept moist. The cuttings should root within 2-3 weeks and should be transplanted into individual pots.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method of propagating Bidens setigeroides Sherff. This method involves dividing an established plant into several smaller ones. Division should be done in the spring when the plant is actively growing.
The plant should be dug up and the roots should be carefully divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy clump of roots and shoots. The divided plants should be replanted in individual pots or directly in the ground.
Propagation of Bidens setigeroides Sherff is relatively easy and straightforward. With the right conditions and care, the plant will grow and thrive, providing a colorful display of flowers throughout the growing season.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens setigeroides Sherff
Bidens setigeroides Sherff, commonly known as Arizona beggarticks, is a perennial plant that can be affected by various diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management is crucial to maintain the plant's health and promote its growth. In this section, we will discuss some common diseases and pests that might affect Arizona beggarticks and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Arizona beggarticks can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. Powdery mildew is a common disease that is characterized by a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Leaf spots are caused by different types of fungi and result in circular lesions on the leaves. Rust is a fungal disease that causes rust-colored spots on the leaves and stems.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene. Remove any infected plant debris, and ensure adequate air circulation around the plant. Avoid overhead watering, as water on the leaves can promote fungal growth. If necessary, apply fungicides according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Common Pests
Arizona beggarticks can be attacked by various pests, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth and wilting. Spider mites are tiny, almost invisible pests that feed on the sap of the plant and produce webbing on the leaves. Whiteflies are small, winged insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and wilting.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for infestation. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids and spider mites. Use yellow sticky traps to trap whiteflies. In severe infestations, you may consider using chemical insecticides, but always follow the manufacturer's instructions and exercise caution when applying them.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management is essential for the health and vitality of Arizona beggarticks. With regular inspections, good plant hygiene, and prompt action against any diseases and pests, you can keep your plant healthy and thriving.
