Description
Coreopsis crassifolia Ait., also known as thickleaf tickseed, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The plant typically grows up to 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide and has dark green leaves with a thick texture.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as thickleaf tickseed, tickseed coreopsis, tickseed, and broadleaf tickseed.
Uses
The plant has several uses. It is commonly used in landscaping due to its attractive yellow flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. The flowers are 1 to 2 inches wide and have a bright yellow color, making them stand out in any garden. In addition to its ornamental use, the plant is also used for medicinal purposes. The leaves and roots of the plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, fever, and digestive problems.
General Appearance
Coreopsis crassifolia Ait. has a bushy growth habit with woody stems and dark green leaves. The leaves are oblong to lanceolate and have a thick texture, which helps the plant retain moisture during drought conditions. The plant produces bright yellow flowers with a distinctive dark red center, which adds to its ornamental appeal. The flowers are followed by small, brown seed heads that are dispersed by wind or animals.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis crassifolia Ait. thrives in full sun or partial shade. It needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to North America and can tolerate a range of temperatures from 20°F to 100°F. However, the ideal temperature for its growth and development is between 60°F and 80°F.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and drought, but it prefers soils that are rich in organic matter with a moderate moisture level. Coreopsis crassifolia Ait. can handle hot and dry summers, but water logging and heavy clay soils can damage the plant's roots and cause wilting and rotting.
Cultivation methods
Coreopsis crassifolia Ait. prefers to grow in well-drained soil that ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. The plant does well in full sun to partial shade conditions, but it does need enough sunlight to flower profusely. The plant is best propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be sowed outdoors directly in spring or fall while cuttings are best taken in late summer or early autumn when the plant is actively growing. Coreopsis crassifolia Ait. is a low maintenance plant that is drought tolerant and can withstand cold temperatures.
Watering needs
Coreopsis crassifolia Ait. is a plant that can tolerate drought and does not need much water. Water the plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. The plant prefers well-draining soil, so ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged as this can also lead to root rot. During the hot summer months, it may be necessary to water the plant more frequently.
Fertilization
Coreopsis crassifolia Ait. does not need a lot of fertilizer. A light application of slow-release fertilizer in the spring is enough to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients to grow. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering. Additionally, the plant does not tolerate heavy fertilization, especially in poorly drained soil, as this can cause root burn.
Pruning
Coreopsis crassifolia Ait. does not require regular pruning. However, removing the spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms. You can do this by pinching off the dead flowers or cutting the stem just above the node where a new leaf is sprouting. Pruning can also be done in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems.
Propagation of Coreopsis crassifolia Ait.
Coreopsis crassifolia Ait. is a herbaceous perennial plant that can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Propagation through Seeds
The most commonly used propagation method for Coreopsis crassifolia is through seeds. The seeds can be sowed indoors in trays or directly in the ground after the last frost of the year.
The soil should be well-drained and the seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil. The seeds should be kept moist until they germinate, which typically takes around 2-3 weeks.
Once the seedlings are around 4-6 inches tall, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation through Division
Another method of propagation for Coreopsis crassifolia is through division. This method involves digging up a mature plant and dividing the root ball into multiple sections.
Each section should contain at least one healthy stem and a good amount of roots. The sections can be replanted in their own individual pots or directly into the ground.
It is recommended to divide Coreopsis crassifolia every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain the health of the plant.
Disease Management for Coreopsis Crassifolia Ait.
Coreopsis crassifolia Ait. can be affected by several diseases, including fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. Preventing or managing these diseases is crucial to keep the plant healthy.
Fungal Diseases:
Fungal diseases can cause yellowing, wilting, and sometimes death of the plant. The following are some common fungal diseases that affect Coreopsis crassifolia Ait.:
- Powdery Mildew: Appears as grayish-white powdery patches on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage it, remove and destroy infected plant parts, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides if necessary.
- Leaf Spot: Characterized by brown or black spots on leaves. With severe infections, the leaves may drop, leading to stunted growth. Remove and dispose of infected plant parts, apply fungicides, and keep the plant dry to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Root Rot: Occurs due to overwatering and poorly drained soils. It causes the roots to rot, leading to the yellowing and wilting of the plant. To manage the disease, improve soil drainage, reduce watering, and remove and dispose of severely infected plants.
Bacterial Diseases:
Bacterial diseases can cause wilting, yellowing, and blackening of the plant tissue. The following are some common bacterial diseases that affect Coreopsis crassifolia Ait.:
- Bacterial Wilt: Causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow or brown. The first sign of this disease is the drooping of leaves. Once infected, there is no effective treatment. Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
- Crown Gall: Causes the formation of tumor-like growths on the stems or roots. The best management is to remove and destroy infected plants and avoid wounding the plant during pruning or transplanting.
Viral Diseases:
Viral diseases can cause mosaic symptoms, ringspots, or stunting. There is no effective control method except to remove and destroy infected plants.
Pest Management for Coreopsis Crassifolia Ait.
Coreopsis crassifolia Ait. can attract several pests that can cause damage to the leaves, stems, and flowers. Some common pests that affect Coreopsis crassifolia Ait. include:
- Aphids: Feeds on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth, curling leaves, and yellowing. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
- Spider Mites: Suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and eventually death of the plant. Use an insecticidal soap or spray the plant with water to control spider mites.
- Leafminers: The larvae feed inside the leaves, causing blotches or streaks to appear. Remove and destroy infected leaves to manage the infestation.
- Cutworms: Cut the stems near the soil, causing the plant to die. Use diatomaceous earth or insecticide to manage the cutworms.
Keeping the plant healthy and stress-free can help prevent pest infestations. Monitoring the plant regularly for pest infestations can also prevent large-scale damage.
