Overview
Bidens aristosa var. retrorsa, also known as Michaux's beggartick, is a plant species from the family Asteraceae. It is a perennial herb native to North America and can be found in the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. This species can grow up to 120 cm tall and has a sprawling habit with abundant narrow, linear leaves. The plant’s flowers are yellow and bloom during the summer and fall seasons.
Common Names
Bidens aristosa var. retrorsa is commonly known by several names such as Michaux's beggartick, coastal beggartick, longleaf beggartick, and retrorse beggartick. It is also occasionally referred to as a hairy beggar-tick due to the presence of tiny hairs on the stem and leaves.
Appearance
The plant’s leaves are narrow, linear and grow up to 12cm in length. The stem is covered with small hairs and is branched above. Bidens aristosa var. retrorsa can grow between 20 and 90 cm tall and up to 120cm in favorable growing conditions. The flowers are yellow and grow at the ends of the stems, with each flowerhead being around 1.8 cm in diameter. The plant blooms from July through to October.
Uses
Bidens aristosa var. retrorsa has a rich history of medicinal use among several Native American communities. It was used traditionally to treat various ailments such as stomach aches, diarrhea, and as a natural antiseptic. Today, the plant is grown as an ornamental in gardens and is used as a food source for some birds and mammals. It is also a great option for wetland restoration and conservation efforts due to its ability to stabilize and prevent soil erosion in wetland habitats.
Growth conditions of Bidens aristosa (Michx.) Britt. var. retrorsa (Sherff) Wunderlin
Light: Bidens aristosa var. retrorsa requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can affect flower and fruit productions.
Temperature: This species grows well in a range of temperatures. It can tolerate both cold and hot weather conditions, but frost can damage the plant. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 18-26°C (64-79°F).
Soil: Bidens aristosa var. retrorsa prefers moist, well-drained soils. It can grow well in a wide range of soil types including sandy, clayey, and loamy soils. However, it cannot tolerate water-logged soil and requires good drainage to prevent root rot. This species can tolerate acidic to slightly alkaline soils, with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5.
Water: Adequate water is essential for the growth of this plant. It requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept evenly moist. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilizer: Bidens aristosa var. retrorsa is not a heavy feeder and can grow well without fertilizer. However, applying a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season can promote flowering and fruiting. Always follow recommended application rates to prevent over-fertilization.
Pruning: Regular pruning of dead flowers and leaves can promote continuous blooming and prevent disease spread. Cut the flowers at their base to encourage the plant to produce more flowers. You can also prune to control the plant's height and promote compact growth.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens aristosa (Michx.) Britt. var. retrorsa (Sherff) Wunderlin prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow in various soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. Plant the seeds in the spring after the last frost or in the fall, about 1/8 inch deep and two inches apart. They usually sprout within one to three weeks, and then thin them to about six inches apart once the plants reach six inches in height. Bidens aristosa (Michx.) Britt. var. retrorsa (Sherff) Wunderlin plants can grow up to three feet tall and two feet wide.
Watering Needs
Bidens aristosa (Michx.) Britt. var. retrorsa (Sherff) Wunderlin needs consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Water the plants regularly, and make sure the soil never dries out completely. However, do not water them too often, as the roots might rot and die.
Fertilization
Bidens aristosa (Michx.) Britt. var. retrorsa (Sherff) Wunderlin plants do not require too much fertilizer. It is best to use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, during the early growth stage in the spring. You can use a slow-release fertilizer later in the summer if the plants need extra nutrients. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as it can cause excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Pruning Bidens aristosa (Michx.) Britt. var. retrorsa (Sherff) Wunderlin is not necessary, as it tends to maintain a tidy shape on its own. However, if the plants start to look leggy, you can pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching and fuller growth. Pinching the tips will also promote more flowers and prevent the plant from becoming top-heavy and falling over.
Propagation of Bidens aristosa (Michx.) Britt. var. retrorsa (Sherff) Wunderlin
Bidens aristosa (Michx.) Britt. var. retrorsa (Sherff) Wunderlin is commonly known as the western marsh marigold. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including seeds and stem cuttings. The propagation process is relatively easy and can be done both indoors and outdoors.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating the Bidens aristosa (Michx.) Britt. var. retrorsa (Sherff) Wunderlin plant is through seeds. The plant produces small seeds that can be collected and stored for propagation. The best time to collect seeds is during the fall after the plant has flowered and the seed head has turned brown. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready for planting.
To plant the seeds, prepare a container with a well-draining soil mix. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and cover with a thin layer of soil. Water the seeds gently and keep the container in a warm and bright place. The seeds should germinate within 1-3 weeks.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Another method of propagating the Bidens aristosa (Michx.) Britt. var. retrorsa (Sherff) Wunderlin plant is through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings can be taken from healthy and mature plants during the summer months. Select a healthy stem and cut it just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone.
Prepare a container with a well-draining soil mix. Make a small hole in the soil and insert the stem cutting. Water the soil gently and cover the container with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Keep the container in a bright and warm place. The stem cutting should root within 4-6 weeks.
Disease Management
Bidens aristosa (Michx.) Britt. var. retrorsa (Sherff) Wunderlin is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, it may still fall prey to some common diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust.
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as small, dark spots on the leaves. This disease can be managed by removing infected leaves, promoting good air circulation around the plant, and avoiding overhead watering.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. This disease can be managed by removing infected leaves, reducing humidity around the plant, and avoiding over-fertilization.
Rust is a fungal disease that appears as orange or brown spots on the leaves. This disease can be managed by removing infected leaves, promoting good air circulation around the plant, and avoiding overhead watering.
Pest Management
Bidens aristosa (Michx.) Britt. var. retrorsa (Sherff) Wunderlin is also relatively pest-resistant. Nonetheless, it may still fall prey to some common pests such as aphids and spider mites.
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and distort. These pests can be managed by removing them by hand, spraying the plant with a jet of water, or applying insecticidal soap.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the leaves, causing them to appear speckled and discolored. These pests can be managed by spraying the plant with a jet of water, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, or releasing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
