Overview
Bidens valida Sherff is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. Also commonly known as Big Devil's Beggar Ticks, this plant is native to the Americas and can be found across several regions including North, Central, and South America.
Appearance
Bidens valida Sherff is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 3-10 feet in height. It features multiple stems that are green to reddish-brown in color and covered with fine hairs. The leaves are opposite, toothed, and have a lanceolate shape. The plant produces yellow, daisy-like flowers with five petals and a central disk which blooms from late summer to early fall. The plant produces small fruits with hooked seeds that stick to clothing and animal fur.
Uses
Several parts of Bidens valida Sherff are used medicinally to treat various ailments. The roots and leaves have been used to treat stomach aches and fever. The plant extract is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. In addition, the plant has been used in traditional medicine as a laxative and to strengthen the immune system.
Bidens valida Sherff is also used as a source of food for wildlife such as birds and small mammals, such as rabbits. The dry fruit and stems have been used to make tea, and the plant has been used as a vegetable in some cultures.
Cultivation
Bidens valida Sherff can be grown from seed in full sun to partial shade. The plant prefers well-drained soil and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. It is important to keep the soil moist during the germination period, but the plant can tolerate periods of drought once established. The plant spreads rapidly and can become invasive in some areas, so care should be taken when planting.
Light Requirements
Bidens valida Sherff is a plant that thrives well in full sun. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to develop fully. Therefore, it's essential to grow it in an area that receives ample sunlight for its proper growth.
Soil Requirements
The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Heavy clay soil should be avoided as it can suffocate the roots, leading to root rot. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure and mix thoroughly to a depth of about 10 inches.
Water Requirements
Bidens valida Sherff requires moderate watering throughout the growing season. The plant requires about an inch of water each week. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause wilting and stunted growth. Always check the soil moisture before watering and water deeply to encourage root growth.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens valida Sherff grows well in warm temperatures ranging between 70-85°F. The plant is not frost tolerant and should be protected during cold weather. In areas with cold winters, the plant is cultivated as an annual, while in warmer regions, it can grow as a perennial.
Fertilizer Requirements
Bidens valida Sherff does not require much fertilizer. Apply a slow-release granular fertilizer or a balanced liquid fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth, which is detrimental to flower formation.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens valida Sherff produces yellow flowers and is an herbaceous perennial plant that prefers soil that is well-drained and moist. It can thrive in either full sun or partial shade. In sandy soil, it can grow up to 2 feet tall, but in clay soil, it will be shorter. It is easy to grow and has a moderate growth rate. The plants can be propagated by seed sowing, stem cutting, or rhizomes division.
Watering Needs
Bidens valida Sherff requires moderate watering. During the growing season, it is best to keep the soil moist. However, this plant can tolerate slightly dry soil, so you shouldn't overwater it. Watering once a week, depending on the temperature and humidity of your region, can be enough.
Fertilization
Bidens valida Sherff does not require constant fertilization. However, if you want to promote healthy and lush growth in your plant, you can feed it once a month with a balanced fertilizer. The best time to apply fertilizer is during the growing season, from spring to summer.
Pruning
Bidens valida Sherff does not need regular pruning, but deadheading spent flowers will encourage the growth of new blooms. You can trim back the plant in autumn, after it has stopped flowering and the stems have died back. You can also remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems throughout the season.
Propagation of Bidens valida Sherff
Bidens valida Sherff is a perennial plant native to South America. It has yellow flowers and grows up to 60 centimeters in height. The plant can be propagated through different methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Bidens valida Sherff can be propagated by collecting mature seeds after the flowering season. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until planting time. To improve seed germination, they should be stratified by placing them in a moist medium at a temperature of 4-5°C for 4-6 weeks before planting. The seeds can then be sown in a well-draining soil mix and covered with a thin layer of soil.
Propagation by Cuttings
Bidens valida Sherff can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings during the growing season. A 10-15 cm long stem cutting should be taken from the parent plant, making sure that it has a few leaves and nodes. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to improve rooting and planted in a container filled with a well-draining potting mix. The container should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly until the plant establishes roots.
Propagation by Division
Bidens valida Sherff can be propagated by dividing the parent plant during the dormant season. The plant should be dug out of the ground and the root ball should be divided into smaller sections. Each section should contain a few stems and roots. The divided plant should then be replanted in a well-draining soil mix and watered regularly until it establishes roots.
Disease Management for Bidens valida Sherff
Bidens valida Sherff is a hardy plant that is generally resistant to diseases, but it can still be susceptible to certain conditions. One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is powdery mildew, which shows up as a white, powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. This can be managed by ensuring that the plant has good air circulation and reducing the humidity around it. Fungicides can also be used to treat the disease.
Another disease that can affect Bidens valida Sherff is leaf spot, which appears as dark spots on the leaves of the plant. This can be managed by removing affected leaves and ensuring that the plant has good air circulation.
Pest Management for Bidens valida Sherff
There are various pests that can affect Bidens valida Sherff. One of the most common pests is the spider mite, which feeds on the sap of the plant and causes discoloration of the leaves. This can be managed by spraying the plant with water to increase humidity around it and by using insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the pests.
Aphids can also affect Bidens valida Sherff, and these pests can be managed by introducing natural predators of aphids or by using insecticidal soap.
Caterpillars are another pest that can affect the plant, and these can be managed by handpicking the caterpillars or by using Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterial insecticide that is safe for use on vegetables and fruits.
