Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. similis (Boynt.) H.M. Parker - Description, Origin, and Common Names
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. similis (Boynt.) H.M. Parker is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to North America and can be found in the central and western regions of the United States, as well as in parts of Canada and Mexico. Common names for this plant include plains coreopsis, golden wave, and calliopsis.
The plant is an annual, which means it completes its life cycle in one year. It grows to be about 12 to 36 inches tall and has a spread of about 10 to 18 inches. The stem is erect and branching, and the leaves are narrow and lance-shaped. The flowers are bright yellow with deep red centers and are about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. They bloom from early summer to early fall.
Uses of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. similis (Boynt.) H.M. Parker
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. similis (Boynt.) H.M. Parker has a variety of uses, both ornamental and medicinal. In landscaping, it is commonly used as a border or along roadsides because of its bright, eye-catching flowers. It can also be used as a cut flower in arrangements. In traditional medicine, the leaves and flowers of the plant have been used to treat various ailments, including fever, indigestion, and respiratory issues.
Additionally, Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. similis (Boynt.) H.M. Parker is used to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to gardens, farms, and natural areas. The plant is known to be a good source of nectar and pollen, making it an important part of any pollinator-friendly ecosystem.
General Appearance of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. similis (Boynt.) H.M. Parker
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. similis (Boynt.) H.M. Parker is a tall and slender annual plant with lance-shaped leaves and bright yellow, red-centered flowers. It can grow up to 36 inches tall and has a spread of about 10 to 18 inches. The flowers bloom from early summer to early fall and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is commonly used in landscaping and as a cut flower in arrangements, as well as in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Typical Growth Conditions for Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. similis (Boynt.) H.M. Parker
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. similis (Boynt.) H.M. Parker, commonly known as tickseed, is a sunflower-like plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to North America and can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. similis requires full sun exposure to grow well. The plant has adapted to grow under high light conditions and can tolerate direct sunlight without any issues. If grown under partial shade, the plant may be susceptible to diseases and may not reach its full potential.
Temperature Requirements
The tickseed plant prefers warm temperatures between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). The plant is tolerant of hot summers but needs to be protected during colder months. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause the plant to go into dormancy, but it will grow back in the spring.
Soil Requirements
The tickseed plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, the soil should be rich in organic matter, and the plant requires moderate moisture levels. The soil should be kept slightly moist but not wet, as waterlogged soil can cause the plant to rot.
Cultivation Methods
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. similis (Boynt.) H.M. Parker, commonly known as Golden Tickseed, is an easy-to-grow and carefree plant that thrives in most soil types, ranging from sandy loam to clay. The plant requires full sunlight to grow, so it should be planted in an open area or at a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant has a moderate tolerance for drought, making it an ideal plant for dry areas.
Watering Needs
Golden Tickseed requires regular watering during the growing season to maintain its growth and promote flowering. The plant should be watered at least once a week, and the soil kept moist but not waterlogged. During prolonged drought, the watering frequency should be increased to keep the plant hydrated. It is important to note that the plant does not tolerate standing water, so adequate drainage is necessary to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. similis (Boynt.) H.M. Parker does not require heavy fertilization to grow and flower. However, a yearly feeding during the active growing season can help promote healthier growth and multiple blooming. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applied once, preferably in late spring or early summer, should suffice.
Pruning
Golden Tickseed needs minimal pruning to keep it flowering and maintain its shape. Deadheading or removing spent blooms regularly throughout the growing season promotes continuous flowering and prevents seed production, which can hinder re-blooming. After blooming season, the plant can be cut back to one-third of its size to stimulate new growth and prevent legginess.
Propagation of Coreopsis Tinctoria Nutt. var. Similis
Coreopsis Tinctoria Nutt. var. Similis, also known as Coreopsis tinctoria var. Boynt., is a native plant to the central United States that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant can propagate through different methods, including seed propagation and stem cutting propagation.
Seed Propagation
The most common and recommended way to propagate Coreopsis Tinctoria Nutt. var. Similis is through seed propagation. The seeds of this plant can be sown in the garden or indoors, depending on the grower's preference. The best time for sowing seeds is in the spring, after the frost has passed. The soil should be well-drained, fertile, and moist.
After preparing the soil, the seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately 1/8 inches and 6 inches apart from each other. It is important to keep the soil moist and not allow it to dry out during the germination process, which typically lasts 10 to 15 days. Once the seedlings have become established and start to grow, they can be transplanted to a permanent location in the garden.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Another way to propagate Coreopsis Tinctoria Nutt. var. Similis is through stem cutting propagation. This method involves taking stem cuttings from a healthy and mature plant and rooting them in a well-drained and moist soil.
To do this, select a stem that is approximately 6 inches long and remove its lower leaves. Then, dip the cut end in a rooting hormone and plant it in the soil, making sure the soil is kept moist. It is important to keep the cutting in a shaded area until it starts to develop roots, which usually takes between 3 to 4 weeks. Once the roots have developed, the new plant can be transplanted to a permanent location in the garden.
Disease Management
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. similis is generally resistant to diseases. However, certain pathogens can cause significant damage to the plant, especially during damp weather conditions. The following are some common diseases that might affect the plant and suggestions for how to manage them:
Septoria Leaf Spot
This disease is caused by the fungus Septoria coreopsidis and leads to the appearance of small, brown spots on the leaves. These spots may merge to form larger patches, which eventually cause the leaves to yellow and drop. You can manage this disease by practicing proper sanitation techniques, such as removing and destroying infected plant debris. You can also use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Powdery Mildew
This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum and causes a white powdery film to appear on the leaves. It can also cause the development of small, yellow spots on the upper surface of leaves, which eventually turn brown and die. You can manage this disease by improving air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Removing infected leaves can also help control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. var. similis is generally resilient to pests. However, certain insects can cause significant damage to the plant, especially during the flowering period. The following are some common pests that might affect the plant and suggestions for how to manage them:
Aphids
These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause the leaves to curl and puckers. They can also transmit viruses to the plant. You can manage this pest by washing them off with a strong blast of water or using insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites
These tiny pests feed on the sap of the plant and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and distorted. They can also produce fine webs, which can be seen on the leaves. You can manage this pest by improving air circulation around the plant and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Armyworms
These caterpillars feed on the foliage of the plant and can cause significant damage, especially during the flowering period. You can manage this pest by handpicking and destroying them or using insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis.
