Overview
Bidens vulgata Greene var. schizantha Lunell, also known as Western Beggarticks, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as wetlands, marshes, ditches, and along streams and ponds.
Description
The Western Beggarticks plant is an annual herb that can grow up to 5 feet tall. It has long, wiry, and branched stems that are covered in small, hair-like structures. The leaves of this plant are simple, alternate, and lance-shaped with toothed margins. The plant also produces yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom from July to September. The flowers grow in clusters on separate branches from the foliage.
Common Names
Bidens vulgata Greene var. schizantha Lunell is commonly known by several other names such as Western Beggarticks, Swamp Marigold, Sticktight, and Devil's Needles.
Uses
The Western Beggarticks plant has various uses both in traditional medicine and as a wild plant. The plant's leaves, stems, and flowers have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, coughs, and skin infections. The plant is also edible, and its leaves and young stems can be used in salads or cooked as vegetables. Additionally, the plant's roots can be boiled to make a bitter tea that is believed to alleviate stomachaches.
Light Requirements
Bidens vulgata Greene var. schizantha Lunell is a plant that thrives in areas exposed to full sunlight but can also survive under partial shade. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight to grow healthy and strong. Insufficient sunlight can cause the Bidens plants to grow weak and leggy resulting in poor yields.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens vulgata Greene var. schizantha Lunell grows well in areas with moderate temperatures ranging between 18°C to 24°C. The plant can, however, tolerate temperatures as high as 35°C or as low as -5°C. Extremely high or low temperatures can cause stress on the plant, leading to stunted growth, poor yields, or even death.
Soil Requirements
Bidens vulgata Greene var. schizantha Lunell thrives in well-drained soils with good moisture retention, rich in nutrients and organic matter. These plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The Bidens plant can be grown in a range of soil types, including sandy loams, clay loams, and loams, as long as they are well-drained. It is crucial to avoid waterlogging the soil, which can lead to root decay and the eventual death of the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Bidens Vulgata Greene var. Schizantha Lunell
Bidens vulgata Greene var. schizantha Lunell, commonly known as Devil's beggar ticks, is a native plant that typically grows in moist soils near riverbanks or in wetlands. To cultivate this plant, it is crucial to recreate similar growing conditions. Plant seeds in a well-draining soil mixture that is moist but not soaking wet and place in an area with consistent moisture.
Keep the seedlings in a sunny location until they develop roots and can be transplanted into their permanent home. This plant thrives in moist and fertile soil, so add organic matter such as compost or well-aged manure to enrich the soil regularly.
Watering Needs of Bidens Vulgata Greene var. Schizantha Lunell
Devil's beggar ticks requires consistent moisture to grow well. It is ideal to water the plant regularly to maintain moisture levels in the soil. Regular watering helps prevent the soil from getting too dry and ensures that the roots do not dry out. Using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system will keep the soil moist without causing damage to the plant or disturbing its roots.
Fertilization of Bidens Vulgata Greene var. Schizantha Lunell
Bidens vulgata Greene var. schizantha Lunell grows best in fertile soil. The use of organic materials like compost or manure will provide extra nutrients that this plant needs to grow. Additionally, a slow-release fertilizer can provide necessary nutrients at critical growth periods. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying any fertilizer to avoid damaging the plant.
Pruning of Bidens Vulgata Greene var. Schizantha Lunell
Deadheading or cutting back the spent flower heads of Devil's beggar ticks will encourage more blooms and promote bushier growth. However, it is essential to avoid pruning too late in the growing season, as unpruned seed heads can provide winter fodder for birds and other animals. Removing dead or damaged stems throughout the year helps prevent disease and insect infestations and promotes healthy growth.
Propagation of Bidens Vulgata Greene Var. Schizantha Lunell
Bidens vulgata Greene var. schizantha Lunell, commonly known as tall beggarticks, is a popular plant used in both landscaping and agriculture. It is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant has deep roots and can grow up to 4 feet tall with yellow flowers that blossom in the fall.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating tall beggarticks is through seeds. It is best to collect the seeds from the mature plant late in the fall. The seeds should be dried completely before planting.
You can start the seeds indoors in a damp paper towel or directly in soil after the danger of frost has passed. The seeds should be planted ¼ inch deep and watered daily until germination. It usually takes 7-10 days for the seeds to germinate.
Propagation by Root Division
Another method of propagation is through root division. You can divide the root ball of a mature plant into sections with a sharp knife or garden shears. Each section should have both roots and foliage.
Plant each section in a pot with well-draining soil and water it regularly. It takes up to 3 months for the new plants to establish.
Propagation by Cuttings
Bidens vulgata Greene var. schizantha Lunell can also be propagated through stem cuttings. It is best to take cuttings in the spring or early summer, while the plant is actively growing. Cut a healthy stem from the plant, making sure it is 4-6 inches long with a few leaves.
Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and plant it in a pot with well-draining soil. Water it regularly and keep it in a warm and bright area. It takes up to 6 weeks for the new plants to develop roots.
These are the three main methods of propagating Bidens vulgata Greene var. schizantha Lunell. Once established, these plants require minimal care and can provide regular blooms for years to come.
Disease Management
Bidens vulgata Greene var. schizantha Lunell is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease leaves a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and remove affected leaves. Fungicides can also be used if the disease is severe.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown, water-soaked spots on leaves. Remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering to manage this disease. Fungicides can also be used as a preventive measure.
- Rust: This fungal disease causes orange-brown pustules on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering to manage this disease. Fungicides can also be used as a preventive measure.
Pest Management
Bidens vulgata Greene var. schizantha Lunell is also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Aphids: These small insects can cause curled and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat holes in the leaves. To manage caterpillars, remove any visible caterpillars by hand or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as a preventive measure.
- Spider mites: Spider mites cause leaves to appear stippled and yellow. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap. Predatory mites can also be used as a biological control measure.
Regularly inspecting the plant for symptoms of disease or pests and promptly addressing any issues is key to maintaining the health of Bidens vulgata Greene var. schizantha Lunell.
