Overview of Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm.
Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm., also known as slender tickseed, is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is a variety of Coreopsis exaristata and is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida and Georgia.
General appearance
The slender tickseed is a perennial plant that grows up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. Its stems are thin and upright, with narrow leaves that are mostly basal. The leaves are green and hairy, and can grow up to 4 inches long. The plant produces yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. The flowers have a dark center and are about an inch in diameter.
Common names
The common name for Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm. is slender tickseed. It is also known as slender coreopsis and thin-leaved tickseed.
Uses
Slender tickseed is commonly used in gardens and landscapes as an ornamental plant. It is known for its beautiful yellow flowers which bloom for an extended period. The plant is also a great addition to native plant gardens as it attracts butterflies and bees. In addition, some Native American tribes have used the roots of Coreopsis exaristata for medicinal purposes to treat dysentery, muscle aches, and fevers.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm. grows well in a wide range of light conditions. The plant can tolerate full sun to partial shade. However, it generally prefers a moderate amount of sunlight. The leaves can burn if exposed to too much direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 60°F and 77°F. Temperatures above 85°F can be stressful to the plant and affect its overall health. During the winter, the plant can tolerate freezing temperatures if it is well established. However, newly planted coreopsis can be sensitive to frost and should be protected.
Soil Requirements
Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm. grows well in well-draining soils. The plant can thrive in soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. However, it prefers slightly acidic soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter and be well aerated. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal for this plant. It is important to avoid soils that retain too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm. requires full sunlight and moist, well-drained soil for optimal growth. It can be grown from seeds or propagated through cuttings. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden after the last frost, or started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out.
Watering Needs
Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm. requires regular watering to maintain optimal growth and blooming. It is important to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm. does not require heavy fertilization, but can benefit from a light application of balanced, granular fertilizer in early spring. It is important to avoid over-fertilization as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooming.
Pruning
Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm. benefits from occasional deadheading to encourage prolonged blooming. This involves removing spent flowers by cutting back to just above a fresh set of leaves. Additionally, it may be necessary to prune back the plant in early spring to promote bushier growth and prevent flopping during blooming.
Propagation Methods for Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm.
Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm. is commonly propagated through both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common method of propagating Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm. The plant produces small, lightweight seeds that can be collected from the mature plant in the fall. These can be sown directly into the ground in the fall or early spring. They can also be started indoors in pots in late winter, and transplanted after the last frost.
The seeds should be sown in a well-draining, sandy soil mix. They should be covered lightly with soil and kept evenly moist until they germinate. Germination typically takes 1-2 weeks. Once the seeds have germinated, they should be thinned to a spacing of 12-24 inches between plants.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm. It involves taking cuttings from an existing plant and rooting them to create a new plant. This method can be used to produce clones of a particular cultivar that exhibit desirable traits.
To propagate Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm. vegetatively, take cuttings from the plant in early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be 3-4 inches long and taken from the tips of the stems. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only 2-3 leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone and insert it into a pot filled with a well-draining, sandy soil mix.
Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a partially shaded location until it roots, which typically takes 3-4 weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into the ground in the fall or early spring.
Disease Management
Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm. is a relatively hardy plant species. However, it is not immune to diseases. The most common diseases that might affect this plant include:
- Leaf spot: This disease usually results from a fungal infection. Symptoms include brown or yellow spots on plant leaves. To manage leaf spot, you can remove the affected leaves and dispose of them properly.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that results in white or gray spots on plant leaves. To manage powdery mildew, you can prune the affected areas and improve air circulation around the plant to prevent humidity.
- Root rot: Root rot is a disease that can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage root rot, you should reduce the frequency of watering and improve the soil's drainage.
Pest Management
Coreopsis exaristata O.Hoffm. var. gracilior O.Hoffm. is relatively resistant to pests, but the following pests might still affect the plant:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that can damage the plant by sucking the sap from it. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can chew through the plant's leaves and damage the plant. To manage caterpillars, you can inspect the plant regularly and pick them off by hand or use an insecticide.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can damage the plant by sucking the sap from it. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil and improve the plant's humidity levels to discourage the mites.
