Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii (Small) Sherff
Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii (Small) Sherff is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as Leavenworth's tickseed or Leavenworth's coreopsis. This plant is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in the states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. It thrives in dry habitats such as pine forests, oak hammocks, and sandhills.
The plant grows up to 1.5 feet tall and 1 foot wide, and it forms a clumping mound of narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are about 2 inches long. The plant produces bright yellow flowers with a diameter of about 1 inch. The flowers bloom profusely from spring to fall, attracting a variety of pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies. The plant produces seeds that can be propagated to create new colonies.
Uses
Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii (Small) Sherff is a popular garden plant due to its attractive yellow flowers and ease of maintenance. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil conditions, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping. In addition to its ornamental value, Leavenworth's tickseed has medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
The plant has also been used commercially in the production of yellow dyes. The bright yellow flowers can be used to dye fabrics and textiles naturally. Additionally, the plant has been used in the production of essential oils, particularly for the perfume industry.
General Appearance
Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii (Small) Sherff is a beautiful plant that can add color and texture to any landscape. Its narrow leaves and bright yellow flowers make it a standout plant in any garden. With minimal care, Leavenworth's tickseed can quickly form a thick mass of foliage and flowers, making it an ideal plant for edging, mass plantings, and borders.
The plant is an excellent choice for gardeners who want low-maintenance plants that require minimal watering. It is also beneficial for gardeners looking to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to their garden.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis leavenworthii var. lewtonii is a sun-loving plant and requires full sun exposure for optimum growth. It grows well in areas with bright, direct sunlight. Shade or filtered sunlight will reduce the number of flowers and overall growth size of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Coreopsis leavenworthii var. lewtonii thrives in warm temperatures and is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 10. The ideal temperature for growth is between 60 - 75°F (15.5 - 24°C). The plant can tolerate high temperatures as long as there is adequate moisture and proper ventilation to prevent heat stress.
Soil Requirements
This plant grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH range should be between 6.0 and 7.0. Avoid heavy, clay soils, which retain moisture and become waterlogged. Sandy soils are ideal as they drain quickly and provide good aeration for the roots.
Regular watering is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Mulching around the plant can help in water retention. A balanced fertilizer can be added during the growing season to provide essential nutrients to the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii (Small) Sherff
Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii is quite hardy and can adapt well in various conditions; however, it thrives excellently in sandy or loamy soils that are well-draining. They are best grown under full sun or partial shade. If you prefer growing the plant from seeds, plant them directly into the garden bed after the last frost.
Watering Needs for Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii (Small) Sherff
Proper watering is crucial for Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii to grow successfully. Watering should be consistent, especially during the growing season. Keep an eye out for signs of under or overwatering, such as yellowing leaves or wilting. If the soil is dry, water the plant deeply until it reaches the roots.
Fertilization of Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii (Small) Sherff
Although Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii can grow in poor soil conditions, feeding them with a suitable fertilizer can improve their growth rate and overall health. It is best to fertilize the plants in the spring and summer months. Use a balanced fertilizer that has equal percentages of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.
Pruning Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii (Small) Sherff
One of the best things about Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii is that they do not require extensive pruning. However, it is best to remove dead flowers and stems to encourage the continuous growth of new flowers. You can use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears to snip off the debris or dead flowers. If the plant has grown out of shape, you may also want to prune back around a third of the plant's height in late summer.
Propagation Methods for Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii (Small) Sherff
Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii (Small) Sherff, commonly known as Leavenworth's tickseed, is a herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is endemic to Florida, and it provides beautiful yellow blooms that attract pollinators.
Propagation through Seed Sowing
Seed sowing is an easy and practical method to propagate Coreopsis leavenworthii var. lewtonii. You can collect the seeds from mature flowers before they start to disintegrate. After collecting them, you need to dry them in a well-ventilated location for a couple of days before planting. If you have the opportunity to collect seeds during autumn, you can sow them directly into the soil as they need cold stratification to germinate. Nonetheless, if you collect the seeds later, you can incur stratification by keeping them in a refrigerator for a couple of weeks. Once the stratification period is over, sow the seeds on well-draining, moist soil and keep them slightly covered. Coreopsis leavenworthii var. lewtonii seeds should start to germinate within two to four weeks.
Propagation through Root Division
Coreopsis leavenworthii var. lewtonii can be propagated by division during late fall or early spring. This propagation method is ideal for those individuals who want to reproduce the exact features of the parent plant. To propagate your plant using root division, you first need to dig up the entire plant and gently shake off the excess soil. Locate the main growth point, carefully separate it from the rest of the rootstock, and plant it immediately in well-draining soil.
Propagation through Stem Cutting
You can propagate Coreopsis leavenworthii var. lewtonii through stem cutting. This propagation method allows for creating several plants using a single parent plant. To propagate this plant using stem cuttings, select the stem with mature leaves, and make a clean cut at an angle. The cuttings should be at least 4 inches long. Remove the first leaves at the bottom of the stem and plant each segment in a pot with well-draining soil. Water the cuttings sparingly and keep them in a warm, bright spot, away from direct sunlight. It is recommended to mist the leaves regularly. After a few weeks, your cuttings should start to grow, marking successful propagation through stem cuttings.
Disease Management
Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii (Small) Sherff is generally a hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to some diseases that might affect its overall health and productivity. The following are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is characterized by a white, powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. It is caused by different species of the fungus Erysiphales and might lead to leaf-drop, stunted growth, and reduced flower production. To control the spread of powdery mildew, affected leaves or plants must be removed immediately, and a fungicide spray should be applied to the plant.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to develop small, brown, circular spots. The spots might become so numerous that they merge, leading to the death of the leaf. To manage leaf spot, ensure that the plant is not overcrowded, and water it from the base to avoid water splashing. Also, ensure that the plant is well-ventilated, and regularly apply a fungicide spray.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and disintegrate. It usually occurs in damp soil and might lead to the death of the plant. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained, avoid overwatering the plant, and maintain a good air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Although Coreopsis leavenworthii Torr. & Gray var. lewtonii (Small) Sherff is generally resistant to pests, some might still pose a threat to the plant's health. The following are some common pests that might attack the plant:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that might attack the tender shoots and buds of the plant, causing them to curl and distort. They might also transmit plant viruses. To control aphids, wash the plant with a strong jet of water, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or apply a soapy water solution to the plant.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that might cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and drop prematurely. They usually thrive in hot and dry conditions. To manage spider mites, ensure that the plant is well-watered, isolate any infected plants, apply a miticide spray to the plant, or introduce natural predators like predatory mites.
- Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that might damage the leaves of the plant by creating small holes and stippling. They might also transmit plant diseases. To manage leafhoppers, maintain good garden hygiene, introduce natural predators like birds or assassin bugs, or apply a pesticide spray to the plant.
