Overview of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana (Dougl. ex Lindl.) H.M. Parker ex E.B. Sm.
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana (Dougl. ex Lindl.) H.M. Parker ex E.B. Sm., commonly known as Atkinson's tickseed, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant originated from North America and is native to the Great Plains from Manitoba to Mexico.
Appearance of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana (Dougl. ex Lindl.) H.M. Parker ex E.B. Sm.
The plant has a slender, upright stem that grows to a height of about 30-90 cm. The plant's leaves are pinnately lobed, with each lobe divided into three sections. The leaves' color varies from medium green to dark green, with a rough texture on both sides. The plant's flowers are yellow-orange and daisy-like, with a diameter of about 2-3 cm. The plant blooms from early summer to late fall and provides an attractive view of the field.
Uses of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana (Dougl. ex Lindl.) H.M. Parker ex E.B. Sm.
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana (Dougl. ex Lindl.) H.M. Parker ex E.B. Sm. has several uses in the wild and in gardens. The plant's seeds are a source of nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and birds. The plant's leaves and flowers are also used in traditional herbal medicine to treat several ailments, including fever, rheumatism, and urinary tract infections. Additionally, the plant is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens, and it grows well in borders, meadows, or wildflower gardens due to its bright yellow-orange flowers.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana (Dougl. ex Lindl.) H.M. Parker ex E.B. Sm. typically grows well in full sun. In fact, it requires plenty of sunshine to thrive. At least six hours of direct sunlight per day is recommended for optimal growth and flowering. If the plant is grown in an area that receives less than six hours of direct sunlight, it may become leggy and fail to produce flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana (Dougl. ex Lindl.) H.M. Parker ex E.B. Sm. prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate heat well. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9, which means it can tolerate reasonably low temperatures, but it is best grown in areas where the temperature stays above 70°F (21°C) during the day and above 50°F (10°C) at night. This plant will not tolerate frost, so it is best to grow in relatively warm regions.
Soil Requirements
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana (Dougl. ex Lindl.) H.M. Parker ex E.B. Sm. grows well in any well-draining soil type, but it prefers rich, loamy soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). It can tolerate poor soils, but it may not produce as many flowers if grown in such soils. It is advisable to amend the soil with organic matter like compost, which will improve soil fertility, promote good drainage, and increase soil moisture retention.
Cultivation Methods
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana (Dougl. ex Lindl.) H.M. Parker ex E.B. Sm. is an easy plant to grow, making it a favorite of gardeners. It grows well in full sun or partial shade and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. It can be propagated by seed or division, with division being the preferred method.
When planting seeds, they should be sown directly into the garden in early spring or late fall after the last frost has passed. The seeds should be planted about 1/8 inch deep and spaced about 12 inches apart. To improve germination rates, the seeds can be soaked overnight in warm water before planting.
If propagating by division, the best time to do so is in the spring or fall. Dig up the plant and divide it into smaller sections, making sure each section has healthy roots and several stems. These divisions can then be planted in the desired location.
Watering Needs
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana (Dougl. ex Lindl.) H.M. Parker ex E.B. Sm. is a drought-tolerant plant once established, and overwatering can lead to root rot. It is best to water deeply once a week, rather than giving it a little water every day. This will encourage the roots to grow deeper into the soil, making the plant more drought-resistant.
During periods of prolonged drought, it may be necessary to water more often. To check if the plant needs water, stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water, otherwise, it can wait another day or two.
Fertilization
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana (Dougl. ex Lindl.) H.M. Parker ex E.B. Sm. is not heavy feeders, and excessive fertilizer use can lead to leggy plants with fewer flowers. It's best to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring.
If the plant looks healthy and produces plenty of flowers, it may not need fertilizer at all. However, if the plant appears stunted or yellowed, it could benefit from a dose of fertilizer.
Pruning
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana (Dougl. ex Lindl.) H.M. Parker ex E.B. Sm. does not require much pruning, but deadheading spent flowers will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Deadheading can be done throughout the growing season as needed.
In the fall, after the plant has finished blooming, the stems can be cut back to just above ground level to help prepare the plant for winter. It's also a good idea to clean up any debris around the plant to prevent disease or pest problems.
Propagation of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana
There are several methods to propagate Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana, a herbaceous perennial plant commonly known as Plains Coreopsis or Golden Tickseed. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
One of the most common propagation methods for Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana is seed propagation. The plant produces ample amounts of seed and it is easy to collect. The seeds should be sown in the spring when the soil temperature reaches around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors and then transplanted. Once the seedlings have established themselves, they can be thinned out to allow for proper spacing.
Division
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant at the roots and replanting the new sections. The best time to do this is in the spring when new growth is starting. The divided sections should be replanted immediately and watered thoroughly.
Cuttings
A third propagation method for Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana is by cuttings. This method involves cutting a stem from the parent plant and replanting it to form a new plant. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer when new growth is present. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in well-draining soil. Water the soil frequently until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. atkinsoniana (Dougl. ex Lindl.) H.M. Parker ex E.B. Sm., commonly known as Tickseed, is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. The following are some of the common diseases that affect this plant:
1. Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular lesions on the leaves of the plant. As the disease progresses, the spots may increase in size and merge, leading to the destruction of the entire leaf. The best way to manage this disease is by practicing good sanitation. Remove and destroy infected leaves, and avoid watering the plant from above. Fungicide treatments may also be effective in managing the disease.
2. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a powdery, white coating on the leaves of the plant. This disease can weaken the plant and reduce its productivity. The best way to manage powdery mildew is by improving air circulation around the plant. Avoid overhead watering, and remove infected leaves promptly. Fungicide treatments may also be effective in managing the disease.
3. Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and die. This disease can be caused by overwatering the plant, poor drainage, or soil that is too heavy. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil has good drainage. If the plant is severely infected, it may be necessary to remove it and replace the soil.
Pest Management
Tickseed is also susceptible to various pests that can cause damage to the plant. The following are some common pests that affect this plant:
1. Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant. They can weaken the plant and reduce its productivity. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with a jet of water to dislodge them. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage the infestation.
2. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the undersides of the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and drop. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with a jet of water to dislodge them. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage the infestation.
3. Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. They can feed on the leaves of the plant, causing holes and damage. To manage caterpillars, you can remove them by hand or use an organic pesticide like Bacillus thuringiensis.
