Overview of Coreopsis microglossa Sherff
Coreopsis microglossa Sherff, commonly known as bigflower tickseed or bigflower coreopsis, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to the central United States, particularly in eastern Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas. It often grows in rocky, dry open woods, and prairies, and it prefers well-drained soils.
Appearance of Coreopsis microglossa Sherff
This plant can grow up to 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide. It has a spreading growth habit with an open and airy texture. The leaves are lance-shaped, and the flowers are yellow with a dark center. It blooms usually in mid- to late-summer and continues to bloom until fall.
Uses of Coreopsis microglossa Sherff
Coreopsis microglossa Sherff is mainly used as an ornamental plant because of its attractive yellow flowers. It is oftentimes used in borders, containers, prairie plantings, and wildflower meadows. The flowers of this plant attract butterflies and bees, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Additionally, some Native American tribes have used the roots and leaves of the plant medicinally to cure fever, diarrhea, and other ailments.
In conclusion, Coreopsis microglossa Sherff is a lovely flowering plant known for its bright yellow blooms. It is a popular choice among landscapers and garden enthusiasts due to its beauty and ability to attract pollinators.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis microglossa Sherff requires full sun exposure to thrive. It grows best in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. In areas with high temperatures, providing partial shade during the afternoon can help prevent heat stress. Without sufficient sunlight, the plant will become spindly and may not flower as profusely.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to areas with warm temperatures and prefers a tropical or subtropical climate. The optimal temperature range for Coreopsis microglossa Sherff is between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but exposure to frost will likely kill the plant. In areas with colder climates, it can be grown as an annual or planted in containers that can be moved indoors during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Coreopsis microglossa Sherff prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including loam, sand, and gravel, as long as it is well-draining. It is also important to ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overly wet soil can cause root rot and other diseases to develop.
Cultivation
Coreopsis microglossa Sherff, also known as Smallflower Tickseed, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to the United States and is suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. It requires full sun exposure to grow well and prefers well-drained soils.
Propagation of Coreopsis microglossa can occur through seed or plant division. Sow seeds indoors six weeks before the last frost date in spring or directly in the garden after the final frost. The plant spacing should be between 9-12 inches apart.
Watering Needs
Coreopsis microglossa is drought tolerant but thrives in moist soils. The plant requires regular watering, especially during the hot, dry summer months. Watering should occur at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves and flowers, which can lead to fungal diseases. Ensure that the soil remains moist, but avoid excessive watering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
This plant does not require frequent fertilization, but occasional feeding can encourage blooming and improve the overall health of the plant. Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK formulation. Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Pruning
Pinching back the tips of Coreopsis microglossa can promote bushier growth and encourage more abundant blooming. Deadheading can prolong the bloom time by removing spent flowers. Prune the plant in early spring by removing the dead or damaged foliage. Ensure that the pruning shears are sanitized before use to prevent the spreading of diseases.
Propagation of Coreopsis microglossa Sherff
Coreopsis microglossa Sherff, commonly known as "large-flowered tickseed," can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods. Here are the details:
Propagation by Seed
The easiest way to propagate Coreopsis microglossa Sherff is by seed. Here's how to do it:
- Sow seeds on the soil surface, either in a seedbed or directly into the final growing location.
- Cover seeds with a light layer of soil or sand, about 1/8 inch or less.
- Keep soil moist until germination occurs, which usually takes 10 to 14 days.
- Seedlings can be transplanted into pots or final growing location once they have grown to a size of 2 to 4 inches.
Seeds of Coreopsis microglossa Sherff can be collected from mature plants in late summer or early fall. Before seeding, the collected seeds need to be cleaned and dried, and any debris or damaged seeds should be discarded.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
In addition to seed, Coreopsis microglossa Sherff can also be propagated by vegetative methods, specifically by stem cuttings and division. Here are the details:
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings is an easy and quick way to propagate Coreopsis microglossa Sherff. Here's how it's done:
- Select healthy, disease-free stems from the parent plant in spring or early summer.
- Cut stems at a length of 4 to 6 inches, making sure they have at least 2 to 3 leaf nodes.
- Remove all leaves except for the top pair, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.
- Stick the cutting into a pot filled with a mix of moistened soil and perlite or vermiculite.
- Place the pot in a bright location, out of direct sunlight, and keep soil moist until roots form.
- Once roots have formed, transplant the new plant into a larger pot or the final growing location.
Propagation by Division
Coreopsis microglossa Sherff can also be propagated by division of the parent plant. Here are the steps:
- In spring or early fall, dig up the parent plant, taking care not to damage the roots.
- Using a clean, sharp knife or garden spade, divide the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has roots and shoots.
- Plant the divided sections in individual pots or in a well-prepared garden bed.
- Water the new plants well and keep soil moist until they become established.
Propagation by division is a good option for rejuvenating older plants and producing new, healthy plants with vigor and increased flowering.
Disease and Pest Management for Coreopsis Microglossa Sherff
Coreopsis microglossa Sherff, commonly known as smallflower tickseed or large-leaf tickseed, is an attractive plant that is popular among gardeners. The plant is easy to grow and maintain, but like any other plant, it is susceptible to some diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Coreopsis microglossa is powdery mildew. It is a fungal infection that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to become discolored with powdery patches. Another disease that can affect the plant is rust, which is a fungal infection that causes orange or yellowish spots on the leaves.
Management of Common Diseases
To manage powdery mildew, it is advisable to remove the affected leaves, reduce the humidity around the plant, and increase air circulation to prevent the disease from spreading. Fungicidal sprays can also be applied to prevent or control the infection. Rust can be managed by removing affected leaves, providing adequate air circulation, and applying fungicidal sprays.
Common Pests
Some common pests that can infest Coreopsis microglossa include aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl or distort. Thrips are slender insects that feed on the leaves, flowers, and buds of the plant, causing scarring and deformities. Spider mites are tiny pests that multiply quickly, producing webs that cover the leaves and stems, causing them to dry and fall off.
Management of Common Pests
Aphids and thrips can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. These treatments should be applied every seven to ten days until the pests are eradicated. Spider mites can be managed by increasing humidity around the plant and using insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Overall, maintaining good plant health practices is essential in keeping Coreopsis microglossa free from diseases and pests. Providing adequate water, nutrients, and sunlight can help keep the plant healthy and resilient to diseases and pests.
