Overview
Coreopsis angustifolia Ait. is a native wildflower found in North America. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and is commonly called narrowleaf tickseed. The plant typically grows 1-3 feet tall and has showy yellow flowers that bloom from late spring through early fall.
Appearance
The leaves of Coreopsis angustifolia Ait. are very narrow and sometimes have a slightly bluish hue. The flowers are bright yellow, with numerous petals radiating from a central disc of tiny florets. The plant has a bushy habit and forms a clump that can reach up to 3 feet in diameter.
Origin and Habitat
Coreopsis angustifolia Ait. is native to the central and eastern parts of North America. It is found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, and open woods. The plant can thrive in areas with full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils.
Uses
Coreopsis angustifolia Ait. is primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is a favorite of pollinators, especially butterflies and bees. The plant's seeds are also a source of food for birds and small mammals. Some Native American tribes used the plant medicinally to treat a variety of ailments, including fever and diarrhea.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis angustifolia Ait. grows well in full sunlight, so it requires a location with direct exposure to the sun. If planted in a shadier spot, the plant will be weaker and less productive, with fewer flowers. At the same time, it tolerates some light shade, especially in hot summer days, as long as it receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is ideally grown in a warm or hot climate, and it is most productive in a temperature range between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can withstand some cold weather, but it struggles in freezing temperatures. Therefore, it is essential to plant it in a region with long, warm summers and mild winters, such as USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10.
Soil Requirements
The Coreopsis angustifolia Ait. plant requires well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter, with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should not be overly wet, particularly during the growing season. It is susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Adding a layer of mulch on top of the ground helps the plant to retain moisture. In summary, the plant does well in free-draining and fertile soils, rich in organic matter.
Cultivation
The Coreopsis angustifolia Ait. is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to grow and can grow in various types of soil. It requires a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate alkaline, acidic or neutral soil with a pH of 5.5 - 7.5. It prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
The plant can be propagated using seeds or cuttings. For seeds, they should be planted in late fall or early spring, and for cutting, take them in fall or early spring. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.
Watering Needs
Coreopsis angustifolia Ait. requires moderate watering. It does not tolerate overwatering and can result in root rot. It is best to water the plant when the topsoil is dry and not before. Typically, the plant needs water once a week. During hot weather, the frequency can be increased, while in colder months, the frequency may be reduced.
Fertilization
The Coreopsis angustifolia Ait. plant does not require frequent fertilization. It can survive with few added nutrients. It is best to fertilize the plant in spring, just as it begins to grow. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK of 10-10-10 is suitable for the plant. Overfertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning
To encourage bushier growth, it is best to prune the Coreopsis angustifolia Ait. plant. This should be done in the spring before new growth appears. Prune the plant to a height of 12-18 inches from the ground. Deadhead the plant when flowers fade to encourage more blooms. The plant can also be cut back after blooming to encourage a second flush of flowers.
Propagation of Coreopsis Angustifolia Ait.
Coreopsis Angustifolia Ait. is propagated through both sexual and vegetative methods.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds are the most common method of propagation for Coreopsis Angustifolia Ait. For best results, seeds should be sown in early spring or late fall. The seeds can be sown directly into the garden bed or grown in pots. Covering the seeds with a thin layer of soil will help to keep them moist, which will aid in germination.
It is important to note that Coreopsis Angustifolia Ait. has a low germination rate and often requires specific conditions to encourage growth. Stratification - chilling the seeds in the refrigerator - for a few weeks before planting can help to improve germination rates.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves taking cuttings or dividing the plant to create new plants. The preferred time for vegetative propagation of Coreopsis Angustifolia Ait. is early spring or late fall.
Stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant and planted in moist soil. Rooting hormone can be used to improve success rates. The soil should be kept consistently moist until the roots are established and new growth appears.
Dividing the plant is another method of vegetative propagation. This involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in new locations. Careful attention should be paid to the roots during the separation process to ensure that each section has a healthy root system.
Both sexual and vegetative propagation methods can be successful for propagating Coreopsis Angustifolia Ait. with proper care and attention.
Disease Management for Coreopsis angustifolia Ait.
Like all plants, Coreopsis angustifolia Ait. is also prone to several diseases. Here are some common diseases that may affect the plant and the ways to manage them:
1. Powdery Mildew
This disease is identifiable by the appearance of a white, powdery appearance on the leaves, flowers, and stems of the plant. It may be caused by high humidity, poor air circulation, or overwatering.
To manage powdery mildew, reduce high humidity levels, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering. Also, apply fungicides to the affected area as per the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Septoria Leaf Spot
This disease appears as small, black, or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in the wet and warm environment.
To manage Septoria Leaf Spot, remove the infected leaves immediately, avoid overhead watering, and improve air circulation. You can also apply fungicides to the affected area as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management for Coreopsis angustifolia Ait.
Coreopsis angustifolia Ait. is also prone to several pests that can damage the plant. Here are some common pests that may affect the plant and the ways to manage them:
1. Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. They can weaken the plant and spread diseases.
To manage aphids, spray a mixture of soap and water on the plant or use chemical insecticides as per the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant. They can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves and also spread diseases.
To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water or use chemical insecticides as per the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Thrips
Thrips are tiny insects that suck the sap from the flowers and leaves of the plant. They can cause the flowers to turn brown and can spread diseases.
To manage thrips, prune the affected flowers and avoid overhead watering. You can also use sticky traps or insecticides as per the manufacturer's instructions.
