Overview of Coreopsis pubescens Ell.
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. is a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is a native to the eastern and central part of the United States, including areas such as Florida, Texas, Maryland, and Oklahoma. The plant has various common names, including Star tickseed, hairy coreopsis, goldenmane tickseed, and stary tickseed.
Description
The Coreopsis pubescens Ell. plant is a perennial herb that typically grows up to 2 ft tall. It has multiple stems that arise from a dense, bushy clump. The stems are green and hairy, and they produce alternate leaves that are divided into slender lobes.
The flowers of Coreopsis pubescens Ell. bloom in the summer and fall and are bright yellow in color. The flowers are small, measuring about ½ inch in diameter, and have bright yellow petals that surround a dark yellow or brown center. The flowers grow on long stalks from the stem and produce a profusion of blooms that attract bees and butterflies.
Uses
The Coreopsis pubescens Ell. plant has several uses. The plant is frequently cultivated in gardens, as it is easy to grow, and the flowers are particularly attractive. It is also an important source of nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies.
Additionally, Coreopsis pubescens Ell. has been used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as fever, dysentery, and rheumatism. The entire plant has been used to make a tea, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. However, it is important to note that the plant has not been extensively studied for medicinal purposes, and its efficacy and safety have not been established through formal research.
Finally, some native American tribes such as Cherokees used Coreopsis pubescens Ell. for making a yellow dye to color fabrics and baskets.
Growth Conditions for Coreopsis Pubescens Ell.
Light: Coreopsis pubescens Ell. requires full sun to thrive. It can tolerate some partial shade, but it will grow and bloom best when exposed to direct sunlight for at least six hours per day.
Temperature: This plant prefers moderate temperatures and will not tolerate extreme heat or cold. It grows best in moderate temperatures between 60-80°F. However, it has some tolerance for lower temperatures and can survive frost.
Soil: Coreopsis pubescens Ell. grows best in well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate more acidic soils to some extent, but it requires good drainage to avoid root rot. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, with a good balance of nutrients.
Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. However, It does not tolerate waterlogged soils and requires good drainage. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilizer: Coreopsis pubescens Ell. does not require heavy feeding, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer can encourage bigger and longer-lasting blooms. Apply fertilizer once in spring and once in mid-summer as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cultivation Methods
Coreopsis pubescens Ell., commonly known as star tickseed or hairy coreopsis, is a hardy perennial plant that is native to the southeastern regions of the United States. It is an easy-to-grow plant that can tolerate both drought and heat and prefers full sun for optimum growth.
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral. It can also tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is important to note that the plant is not frost-tolerant and needs to be protected in the colder months in regions with freezing temperatures.
Watering Needs
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in dry conditions. However, it requires regular watering during its establishment period and long dry spells. The plant needs at least one inch of water per week, especially during the growing season, to thrive and bloom vigorously.
Watering should be done deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. It is important to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. is not a heavy feeder and can thrive without fertilization. However, applying a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer, in early spring can encourage healthy growth and blooming.
It is important to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer blooms. The plant should be fertilized only once or twice a year, depending on the soil quality and plant growth.
Pruning
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. does not require pruning for its growth and blooming. However, the plant can benefit from deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Deadheading should be done regularly throughout the growing season to keep the plant tidy and encourage blooming. It is also important to remove any damaged or diseased leaves or stems promptly to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Coreopsis pubescens Ell.
Coreopsis pubescens Ell., commonly known as the Star tickseed, is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 2-3 feet tall. The plant is native to North America and can usually be found in dry, rocky and sandy soils. The flowering period of this plant is from late spring to early summer. Propagation of Coreopsis pubescens can be done through various methods.
Seed propagation
Coreopsis pubescens can be propagated through seeds, which can be planted outdoors in fall or early spring. In order to achieve germination, the temperature should be between 20-25°C. Sowing the seeds directly in the garden can be done by scattering the seeds over the soil surface and then covering lightly with soil. After that, regularly water the plant until it fully grows. It may take a few weeks for the seedlings to appear.
Division of the rootball
The rootball *of Coreopsis pubescens can be divided to propagate new plants. The best time to divide the plant is during the late spring or early fall, when the plant is not producing flowers. In order to achieve the best results, choose a healthy rootball and gently loosen the soil surrounding it. Separate the rootball by hand into two or three sections and plant each section immediately to avoid the roots becoming dry. Regularly water the plant until it grows.
Softwood Cuttings
Coreopsis pubescens can also be propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is usually done in early summer when the plant is actively growing. Take a 3 to 4-inch long cutting with a sharp, clean knife and remove the leaves from the bottom. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and put it in a potting mix which is low in fertility. Gently water and cover with plastic wrap to create a humid environment. The cuttings should be rooted in 3-4 weeks.
Propagation of Coreopsis pubescens through seed, division of the rootball, and softwood cuttings is an excellent method for this plant. This propagation method will not only create new plants, but also ensure that the original plant is healthy and vigorous. However, always remember to provide adequate water and sunlight for optimal growth and propagation.
Disease Management:
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. is relatively disease-resistant, but some common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by various fungi and spreads through splashing water and contaminated soil. Symptoms include small, dark-colored lesions on leaves that may coalesce, resulting in large dead areas. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, apply copper-based fungicides, and keep the surrounding area free of debris.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease infects the upper surfaces of leaves, causing white powdery growth on the surface. The leaves become distorted and yellow, leading to their death. To manage powdery mildew, prune infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation, and apply fungicides.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that infect the root system, leading to the decay of roots. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, use disease-free planting material, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management:
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. is also relatively pest-resistant but can be affected by some common pests, including:
- Aphids: These insects feed on plant sap, causing leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, remove them by hand, spray them with a strong jet of water, apply insecticidal soaps or oils, and encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
- Spider Mites: These pests suck the sap from leaves, causing discoloration and distortion. To manage spider mites, spray plants with water to increase humidity, apply insecticidal soaps or oils, and encourage natural predators like predatory mites.
- Thrips: These insects feed on flowers and foliage, causing distorted growth and discoloration. To manage thrips, remove infested plant parts, apply insecticidal soaps or oils, and use sticky traps to catch adults.
