General Appearance
Coreopsis pinnatipartita O.Hoffm., also known as Lobed Tickseed, is a flowering plant that belongs to the sunflower family Asteraceae. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 50 cm tall and produces numerous branching stems with lobed pinnate leaves that vary in size depending on their location on the stem. The plant produces small flowers that are bright yellow in color with pointed petals and a dark center. The fruit of Lobed Tickseed is a dry, one-seeded achene.
Origin and Distribution
Lobed Tickseed is native to Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado in the United States and is commonly found growing in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. It prefers well-drained soils and partial shade and is drought tolerant. The plant can now be found in many parts of the world where it has been introduced as an ornamental plant.
Common Names and Uses
Lobed Tickseed is commonly known as Pinnate-leaved coreopsis, and Lobed coreopsis. The plant has various traditional medicinal uses. The leaves of the plant have been used in traditional Native American medicine to treat skin infections, eye problems, and respiratory issues. Lobed Tickseed is also a popular ornamental plant due to its yellow flowers which bloom in the summer and fall and its ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees to a garden or landscape. The plant's dried flowers can be used in floral arrangements and crafts.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis pinnatipartita O.Hoffm. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. This plant cannot tolerate shaded areas, so it should be planted in an area where it can receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can grow well in both hot and cold environments. However, the optimum temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C. In colder months, it can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C.
Soil Requirements
Coreopsis pinnatipartita O.Hoffm. prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH range between 5.5-7.0). Soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter. In areas with heavy or clay soils, it is recommended to add sand or other organic matter to improve drainage and aeration.
Cultivation Methods
The Coreopsis pinnatipartita O.Hoffm. thrives in well-drained soils with a pH ranging between 6.0 and 7.0. It prefers a location with full sun exposure, but it can also tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. For best results, plant the seedlings in the spring or fall.
Watering Needs
The Coreopsis pinnatipartita O.Hoffm. requires regular and adequate watering, especially during the growth and flowering stages. Water the plant deeply at least once a week or more often in hot weather. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The Coreopsis pinnatipartita O.Hoffm. requires minimal fertilization. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the growing season, preferably in the early spring. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when fertilizing, and avoid over-fertilizing as it can harm the plant.
Pruning
The Coreopsis pinnatipartita O.Hoffm. does not require frequent pruning. Deadheading can be done to stimulate more blooms and to maintain the plant's shape and size. Pruning should be done after the blooming season, preferably in the late fall or early spring. Cut back the stems to the basal foliage, ensuring that the plant is not cut too close to the ground.
Propagation of Coreopsis pinnatipartita O.Hoffm.
Coreopsis pinnatipartita O.Hoffm. is a perennial herbaceous plant that is commonly propagated through seeds and division.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common and effective method of propagating Coreopsis pinnatipartita O.Hoffm. is through seeds. The seeds of this plant are relatively small and can be collected from the mature seed heads that develop on the plant at the end of the growing season. To ensure successful germination, the seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in the spring or early summer.
Before planting, the soil should be prepared by adding organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to improve its fertility and structure. The seeds should be planted at a depth of approximately 1/8 inch and spaced 8-12 inches apart. They should then be lightly watered, and the soil should be kept moist until germination occurs.
It is important to note that Coreopsis pinnatipartita O.Hoffm. is a self-seeding plant. This means that once established, it will often produce its seeds, resulting in new plants growing in the surrounding areas.
Propagation by Division
Another method of propagating Coreopsis pinnatipartita O.Hoffm. is through division. This method involves separating a mature plant into smaller sections, each of which can be grown into a new plant.
The best time to divide Coreopsis pinnatipartita O.Hoffm. is during the spring or early fall when the plant is actively growing. To successfully divide the plant, it should be dug up carefully, ensuring not to damage the roots. The roots should then be shaken gently to remove excess soil and separated into smaller sections.
Each section should contain a portion of the plant's root system, as well as several stems and leaves. The sections should be replanted in well-draining soil, watered thoroughly, and kept moist until they become established.
Disease Management
Coreopsis pinnatipartita O.Hoffm. is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by some common plant diseases such as:
- Root and Stem Rot: This disease is caused by fungi that thrive in wet and poorly-drained soils. To manage root and stem rot, ensure that the plant is planted in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Remove infected plants and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves and stems. To manage Powdery mildew, ensure that the plant is watered from the bottom to prevent water from sitting on the foliage. Prune the affected areas of the plant and treat it with a fungicide.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf Spot is a fungal disease that appears as circular brown spots on the plant's leaves. To manage Leaf spot, remove infected plants and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease. Ensure that the plant is planted in well-draining soil and avoid overhead watering as this can spread fungal spores.
Pest Management
Coreopsis pinnatipartita O.Hoffm. is not prone to many pests. However, it can occasionally be affected by some common plant pests such as:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap out of plants, causing them to become weak and stunted. To manage aphids, use a high-pressure water spray to dislodge them from the plant. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to the garden to control aphid populations.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are minuscule arachnids that feed on the plant's juices, causing yellowing and wilting of the foliage. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a forceful stream of water to dislodge them. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or predatory mites to the garden to control spider mite populations.
- Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the plant's tissues, causing them to become distorted and discolored. To manage thrips, use yellow or blue sticky traps to capture them. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant to control thrips populations.
