Overview of Coreopsis cardaminefolia (DC.) Torr. & Gray
Coreopsis cardaminefolia (DC.) Torr. & Gray is a species of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family. It is native to the eastern United States, which includes Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Common Names
The common name of Coreopsis cardaminefolia (DC.) Torr. & Gray include:
- Tall tickseed
- Rocky Mountain tickseed
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 2 to 5 feet tall. It has fine, hairy leaves with lanceolate-shaped leaflets that are toothed around the edges. The leaves are a bright green color and grow alternately on the stem. The flowers of Coreopsis cardaminefolia (DC.) Torr. & Gray are yellow and daisy-like with dark brown centers that grow atop of slender stems.
Uses
Coreopsis cardaminefolia (DC.) Torr. & Gray is used for medicinal purposes, mainly in traditional Native American medicine. It is said to be used as a treatment for fever, flu, cough, as well as various other ailments. It is also popular for landscaping and can be planted in gardens or rock gardens.
Growth Conditions for Coreopsis Cardaminefolia
Light Requirements: Coreopsis cardaminefolia typically thrives in full sun to partial shade. Therefore, it needs a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements: It requires warm temperatures for optimal growth, with a temperature range of 20-250C. It can tolerate severe winter but cannot survive when exposed to frost and extreme cold.
Soil Requirements: The soil should be well-drained, enriched, acidic to alkaline (pH 6.0 to 7.5), and moist. Coreopsis cardaminefolia prefers fertile, soil types like sandy loam, clay loam, or any other loam-based soils. It can also grow well in soil that is slightly more acidic or alkaline, as long as the soil is high in organic matter.
Water Requirements: Coreopsis cardaminefolia requires consistent moisture, but the soil should not remain soggy or waterlogged. Watering should be done only when the soil becomes dry, and the plant should never be allowed to dry out completely.
Fertilizer Requirements: It's advisable to fertilize Coreopsis cardaminefolia regularly using a balanced fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The application of fertilizer should begin in early spring and continue throughout the growing season.
Other Requirements: Coreopsis cardaminefolia grows best in an open location with good air circulation. Diseases and pests can be avoided by maintaining proper plant hygiene and limiting overcrowding. Pruning should be done in early spring before new growth begins to keep the plant in a compact shape.
Cultivation
Coreopsis cardaminefolia (DC.) Torr. & Gray is a perennial plant native to North America and is widely cultivated in gardens. It grows best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. This plant prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It is reasonably drought-resistant, making it an excellent plant for hot and dry regions.
Propagation can be done by division or seeds. If you choose to propagate by seeds, it's best to sow them directly into the soil in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.
Watering Needs
Coreopsis cardaminefolia does not require too much water. It's best to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. If the soil is too moist, the plant's roots might start to rot. Once it's established, this plant can tolerate moderate drought conditions.
Fertilization
Coreopsis cardaminefolia does not require heavy feeding. However, a light application of general-purpose fertilizer in the spring and midsummer can help the plant flourish and maintain its vibrant color.
Pruning
Coreopsis cardaminefolia does not require extensive pruning. Still, you should remove any dead flowers to encourage the plant to continue blooming. If you notice any dead or damaged stems, they should be pruned back to the base. If the plant grows too tall, it can be cut back in early summer to promote a more compact habit.
Propagation of Coreopsis cardaminefolia (DC.) Torr. & Gray
Coreopsis cardaminefolia (DC.) Torr. & Gray, commonly known as pink tickseed, is a hardy perennial plant that is native to the central and eastern United States. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and it produces pink flowers in the summer.
The plant can be propagated through both seeds and vegetative methods such as division and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds of Coreopsis cardaminefolia can be sown in the fall or spring. To sow seeds, the soil should be prepared by selecting a well-draining site with full sun exposure. The seeds should be sown 1/8 inch deep and spaced about 12 inches apart. The soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge which will generally occur within 14 days. Mature plants will produce seeds that can be harvested for the next season's planting.
Propagation by division
Coreopsis cardaminefolia can be propagated by division during the fall or spring season. The plant should be lifted with a garden fork and the root system should be gently washed clean of soil. Using a sharp, clean knife, the plant is divided into smaller sections, each with at least one shoot and a few roots. The plants are then transplanted into individual pots or directly to the desired planting site.
Propagation by cuttings
Coreopsis cardaminefolia can be propagated by taking stem cuttings during the summer months. Cuttings approximately 4 inches long should be taken from healthy plants and the lower leaves removed. The base of the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and out of direct sunlight until they have rooted, which will take around 6-8 weeks.
Overall, Coreopsis cardaminefolia is a hardy plant that can be easily propagated through a variety of methods. Plants produced through propagation should be kept well-watered and positioned in full sun to ensure successful establishment and long-lasting growth.
Disease Management
Coreopsis cardaminefolia is generally a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases. However, there are a few common diseases that may affect the plant, including:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by various fungal pathogens and is characterized by circular or irregular yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected plant material and apply fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that forms a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering, increase air circulation around the plant, and apply fungicides.
- Crown rot: A fungal disease that causes the plant to rot at the base. To manage crown rot, remove infected plant material and treat the soil with fungicides.
Pest Management
Coreopsis cardaminefolia is relatively pest-resistant. However, there are a few common pests that may cause damage, including:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, remove them from the plant with a strong blast of water or apply insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the underside of leaves, causing leaves to become stippled and discolored. To manage spider mites, increase air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and apply insecticidal soap or miticides.
- Thrips: These small, slender insects feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing them to become distorted and discolored. To manage thrips, remove and destroy infected plant material and apply insecticides.
