Overview
Coreopsis feruloides Sherff is a perennial flowering plant that is native to the central and southern regions of the Rocky Mountains in North America. It is a member of the Asteraceae or sunflower family and is commonly known as the Fern-leaf Tickseed or Fernleaf Coreopsis.Appearance
The plant has an average height of 12-24 inches and a spread of 12-18 inches. The leaves of the Fernleaf Coreopsis are fern-like, finely dissected and green in color. Its vibrant yellow flowers bloom in early to mid-summer and have a diameter of about 2 inches. The flowers are solitary and sit on top of long slender stems.Uses
The Fern-leaf Tickseed can be grown in prairies, rock gardens, and meadows due to its attractive appearance. Its showy flowers and unique foliage make it popular among gardeners, and it is often used as a border plant or for mass planting. Bees and butterflies are attracted to its nectar-rich flowers, making it a great addition to pollinator gardens. In traditional Native American medicine, the Fernleaf Coreopsis was used to treat cuts and bruises. The roots of the plant were boiled and the resulting liquid was applied to wounds to aid in healing. In modern times, the Fernleaf Coreopsis is also used in the cut flower industry due to its long vase life and vibrant color.Overall, Coreopsis feruloides Sherff is a versatile and attractive plant that can serve many purposes, from garden decoration to medicinal use.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis feruloides Sherff requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It prefers direct sunlight all day long, but can tolerate some light shade during the hottest part of the day. The plant may not perform well if it is grown in a location that receives only partial sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the alpine regions of the Rocky Mountains and requires a cool climate to grow. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. Average temperatures between 50°F to 75°F are ideal for growth. The plant can also tolerate very cold temperatures and can survive subzero temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Coreopsis feruloides Sherff prefers well-drained soil with a pH level ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The soil must be nutrient-rich and should have good drainage, as the plant may not tolerate waterlogged conditions. A soil mixture that is rich in organic matter can help to keep the soil moist while allowing excess water to drain away.
Cultivation
Coreopsis feruloides Sherff, commonly known as leafy coreopsis or daisy, is an herbaceous perennial that is indigenous to the central and southern regions of the United States. It is usually grown in borders, rock gardens, or wildflower meadows. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full or partial sunlight. It can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.
To propagate the plant, divide the roots in early spring or autumn. You can also propagate it from stem cuttings taken during the growing season. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and place them in a bright, sheltered spot. Alternatively, you can sow seeds outdoors in late summer.
Watering
Coreopsis feruloides does not require much water and can tolerate long dry periods. However, it will perform better in moist soil. Water the plant moderately during the growing season and reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
The plant does not need excessive fertilizer. A well-prepared bed with organic matter should be enough to sustain it. However, you can top up with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season to enhance flowering. Applying too much fertilizer may lead to long stems with few flowers.
Pruning
Deadheading is essential after the blooming period to prevent seeding. Pinch off the spent flowers before they form seeds to encourage the growth of new blooms. You can also shear the plant back by a third in late summer or early autumn to prevent leggy growth and promote bushiness.
Propagation of Coreopsis feruloides Sherff
Coreopsis feruloides Sherff, commonly known as Threadleaf Coreopsis, can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
One of the easiest ways to propagate Coreopsis feruloides Sherff is through seeds that can be sown indoors or outdoors. For indoor sowing, seeds can be started in trays filled with a well-draining potting mix in early spring or six to eight weeks before the last frost date. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil, and the trays should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Once the seedlings reach 2-3 inches in height, they can be transplanted outdoors in their permanent location, spacing them 18-24 inches apart.
If sowing seeds outdoors, select a well-drained area with partial to full sunlight. The seeds should be sowed in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked and covered with a thin layer of soil. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate, which usually takes two to three weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is an excellent way to produce new plants that are identical to the parent plant. The best time to take cuttings is in the late summer or early fall when the plant is in its active growth phase.
To take a cutting, select a healthy stem that is 4-6 inches long and free of any diseases or pests. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle using a sharp and sterile pruning shear. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, leaving two to three sets of leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Place the pot in a location with indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist until the cutting roots, which usually takes four to six weeks.
Once the cutting has rooted and established a healthy root system, it can be transplanted outdoors in its permanent location in the spring or early summer.
Disease Management
Coreopsis feruloides Sherff is relatively disease resistant, but it can still suffer from certain diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant include gray mold, root rot, and powdery mildew.
Gray mold manifests as a brownish-gray coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea and thrives in moist environments. To manage gray mold, remove any infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and increase air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may also be used, but prevention is the best approach.
Root rot is caused by various pathogens that attack the roots and create a dark, slimy mass. Affected plants will wilt and eventually die. To manage root rot, ensure the plant is growing in well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, and remove any infected plant parts.
Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. It is caused by various fungal species and thrives in humid conditions. To manage powdery mildew, increase air circulation around the plant, remove any infected plant parts, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Coreopsis feruloides Sherff can also fall prey to several pests, including aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant and excrete a sticky substance. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on plant sap and create a fine webbing. They thrive in dry conditions and can be managed by increasing humidity around the plant, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introducing predatory mites.
Thrips are small, long insects that pierce the plant and suck out the sap, causing distortion of the leaves and flowers. They can be managed by removing any infected plant parts, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introducing predatory mites.
