Overview
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. laurentiana Fassett, commonly known as Laurentian bur-Marigold, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to North America and is found in wet habitats such as bogs, marshes, and wet meadows.
Appearance
Laurentian bur-Marigold is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1 meter tall. The stems are erect, hairless, and often branched. The leaves are alternate and pinnately divided into three to five leaflets. The leaflets are oval or lanceolate and have serrated margins.
The flowers of Laurentian bur-Marigold are yellow, daisy-like, and have a diameter of about 1 centimeter. The flower heads are borne on long, slender peduncles that arise from the upper axils. The central disc flowers are tubular, while the ray flowers are flat and have three lobes.
Uses
Laurentian bur-Marigold is primarily used for ornamental purposes due to its bright yellow flowers. The plant is often grown in gardens, natural landscaping, and wetland restoration projects. The flowers of Laurentian bur-Marigold attract bees and butterflies, making it an ideal plant for pollinator gardens.
In traditional medicine, the plant has been used as a poultice for treating wounds and skin irritations. The roots of the plant are used to treat toothaches, while the leaves are used to treat colds and fevers.
Cultivation
Laurentian bur-Marigold can be propagated from seeds or from stem cuttings. The plant prefers moist or wet soils and can tolerate partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, including sand and clay. However, it is susceptible to powdery mildew and should be grown in areas with good air circulation to prevent this disease.
Due to its ability to attract pollinators and its ornamental value, Laurentian bur-Marigold is a popular plant for wetland restoration projects and natural landscaping. It is also easy to grow and requires little maintenance, making it a suitable plant for novice gardeners.
Light Requirements
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. laurentiana Fassett requires full to partial sunlight exposure for optimal growth. The plant should be placed in an area where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Inadequate sunlight may lead to reduced flowering and stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives well in cool environments with temperatures ranging from 10 to 24 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate frost and freezing temperatures, but it may go dormant during winter and resume growth during spring. During summer months, Bidens hyperborea Greene var. laurentiana Fassett may require constant moisture and shade to prevent its flowers from drying up.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Bidens hyperborea Greene var. laurentiana Fassett can grow in loamy, sandy, or clayey soils. However, the soil must be rich in organic matter and nutrients for optimal growth. If the soil is compacted, it may affect the plant's root development and overall growth.
Cultivation
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. laurentiana Fassett is a hardy plant that can survive in various growing conditions. It is best to plant it in a location that receives full sun to partial shade in nutrient-rich soil. The plant can grow up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, so make sure to space multiple plants accordingly.
The plant typically grows in wet areas, so it is ideal to plant them in moist soil, near streams or in marshy lands. However, it can also tolerate drier soils once established.
Watering
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. laurentiana Fassett requires frequent watering during the initial stages of growth to establish a strong root system. Once established, the plant can tolerate periods of drought and will only require watering when the soil becomes extremely dry.
The plant also thrives in moist soil, so it is recommended to water it regularly to keep the soil moist. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. laurentiana Fassett typically does not require heavy fertilization. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season can promote healthy growth and increase overall plant health.
A well-composted organic matter, such as matured manure or composted leaves, can also be added to enhance soil nutrition. Make sure to add the organic matter before planting.
Pruning
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. laurentiana Fassett does not typically require pruning. However, it is a good idea to remove any dead or diseased branches to promote plant health. If the plant starts to look too crowded, thinning small branches can help increase air movement and light penetration, promoting healthy growth.
Trimming the top 1-2 inches of the plant after flowering can encourage it to rebloom.
Propagation of Bidens hyperborea Greene var. laurentiana Fassett
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. laurentiana Fassett is a perennial plant that grows in moist meadows, stream banks, and bogs. Its flowering period is between August and September, and it produces yellow flowers with a diameter of about 1 inch.
Propagation by seed
The most common method used for propagating Bidens hyperborea Greene var. laurentiana Fassett is through seeds. Seed propagation should be done in early spring. Firstly, you have to extract the seeds from the plant's flower heads. This can be done by snipping off the flower heads and placing them in a paper bag. When the flowers have fully dried, shake the bag to remove the seeds.
Once you have the seeds, you'll need to plant them in a growing medium that's moist but well-draining. The seeds should be sown at a depth of ? inch. Place the planted seeds in a shaded area until they germinate, which should take about three weeks. Once the plants reach six inches in height, you can transplant them to your desired location.
Propagation by division
Another method for propagating Bidens hyperborea Greene var. laurentiana Fassett is through division. You can do this during the plant's dormant season, which is in the fall. Firstly, you have to dig up the plant's root ball and gently separate the plant into two or three sections, making sure each section has healthy roots.
Once divided, replant each section at the same depth it was originally, and water it well. Keep the new transplants in a shaded area for a few days and make sure to keep the soil moist until they're established.
With either propagation method, Bidens hyperborea Greene var. laurentiana Fassett requires regular watering until it's well-established in its new location. It's also important to place the plants in partial shade, as they don't tolerate direct sunlight well.
Disease Management
Bidens hyperborea var. laurentiana is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Common diseases of this plant include:
- Leaf blight: This is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to turn yellow and develop brown spots. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant debris, and apply fungicides as recommended.
- Root and stem rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the plant's root and stem, causing them to rot. To manage this disease, ensure proper drainage of the soil, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides as recommended.
- Mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, causing them to develop a white powdery coating. To manage this disease, improve air circulation around the plants, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides as recommended.
Pest Management
Bidens hyperborea var. laurentiana is also susceptible to several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Common pests of this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or neem oil as recommended.
- Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and browning of the leaves. To manage this pest, improve humidity levels around the plant and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: These are brown caterpillars that feed on the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and break. To manage this pest, handpick the caterpillars and apply insecticides as recommended.
Regular inspection of the plant for signs of disease and pest infestation can help detect and manage problems early. Additionally, maintaining plant hygiene and using disease-resistant varieties can also help prevent diseases and pests from affecting the plant.
