Origin and Common Names
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens, commonly known as Star Tickseed or Golden Tickseed, is a herbaceous plant species that belongs to the aster family, Asteraceae. It is native to the southeastern United States, ranging from Texas to Virginia.General Appearance
The Star Tickseed plant generally grows up to 30–60 cm tall and has an upright, slender stem. The leaves are alternate, simple and lobed with a distinctive pinnate shape. This plant produces yellow daisy-like flowers with 8 petals that bloom from early summer to late fall. The blooms have a bright yellow central disk that is surrounded by long, slender yellow ray petals. The Star Tickseed plant has a deep taproot and can spread through rhizomes.Uses
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens is commonly grown in gardens and landscapes as it is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant and has long-lasting blooms. It is also used in pollinator gardens as it attracts bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. In addition, it has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. Native Americans used the plant to treat various ailments such as toothaches and headaches. Today, the plant is used in herbal medicine to treat a variety of conditions, such as skin rashes, fevers, and menstrual cramps. In summary, Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens is a beautiful and useful plant that is native to the southeastern United States. It is low maintenance, drought-tolerant, and has long-lasting blooms that attract beneficial insects. Its medicinal properties have been used for centuries, and it continues to be a popular choice for herbal medicine.Light Requirements
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens is a sun-loving plant that requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. It can tolerate partial shade but does not bloom as profusely in such conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to North America and is typically found in the southeastern United States. It can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers warm weather. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, where the average annual minimum temperature ranges from -40°F to 20°F (-40°C to -6.7°C) and the average annual maximum temperature ranges from 75°F to 90°F (23.9°C to 32.2°C).
Soil Requirements
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. This plant does not like wet feet and may suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soil.
Cultivation Methods
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens, commonly known as Star Tickseed or Golden Tickseed, is a resilient, long-lived perennial plant that is drought-tolerant once established. It grows best in full sun and well-draining soils with an average PH of 5.5 to 7.0. To cultivate the plant, begin with picking a sunny spot in the garden and loosening the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. Add organic matter to the soil if necessary.
Plant the seedlings in spring or early summer, keeping a distance of at least 18-24 inches between plants. Water the plants regularly until they establish, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In colder regions, you can protect Coreopsis pubescens by adding a layer of mulch over the soil.
Watering Needs
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens requires moderate watering in the early stages after planting until its roots are well established. Avoid excessive watering, as it can cause root rot. Once established, the plants are drought-tolerant, and only occasional watering is necessary.
Water the plant deeply once or twice a week in the growing season. In areas with high humidity, take care not to overwater the plants, as it can lead to fungal infections that can harm the plant. Water the plant at ground level, keeping the foliage and flowers dry control fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens does not require excessive fertilization, and too much nitrogen can cause the plants to become leggy and flop over. However, if the soil is nutrient-poor, you can add a slow-release granular or liquid fertilizer in spring.
It is essential to choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for perennials, with balanced amounts of phosphorus and potassium, and lower nitrogen levels. Too much nitrogen can encourage lush foliage but few blooms. Avoid feeding the plant in late summer because this can affect the plant's ability to overwinter successfully.
Pruning
To encourage bushy growth and long-lasting blooms, deadhead the spent flowers regularly. This not only keeps the plants looking tidy but also helps to improve blooming. Cut back the plant by one-third of its height in the late summer or early fall season to encourage the plant's winter hardiness.
Remove any yellow or damaged leaves throughout the growing season to maintain overall plant health. In early spring, remove any dead and decaying foliage or flowers from the previous season. This helps to avoid the risk of fungal diseases and also improves the plant's appearance.
Propagation of Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens, commonly known as the star tickseed or hairy coreopsis, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the sunflower family. It is a North American native plant that can be found in woodlands, meadows, and prairies. Propagation of this plant can be done by several methods, which are described below.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest way to propagate Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens. The ideal time to collect the seeds is during late summer or early autumn when the seed heads start to turn brown. The collected seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be sown.
Before sowing the seeds, the soil should be prepared by adding compost and sand to improve its drainage. The seeds should be sown directly into the soil at a depth of 1/8 inch. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around two weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 2-3 inches, they can be transplanted to their final location.
Division Propagation
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens can also be propagated by dividing its rootstock. This method is best done during early spring or late autumn when the plant is dormant. The rootball should be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections using a sharp knife or garden fork. Each division should have a healthy shoot and a good root system.
The divided sections should be replanted immediately in a prepared planting hole. The soil should be kept moist until the new plants are established. Division propagation is a useful method to rejuvenate an older plant or to increase the number of plants.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens can also be done through stem cuttings. This method is best done during early summer when the plant is actively growing. A healthy shoot that has not yet flowered should be selected and cut from the parent plant. The cutting should be around 4-6 inches long and should have a few leaves.
The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone. The cutting should be planted in a small pot with a well-draining soil mixture. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and placed in a shaded area. The cutting should be watered regularly until roots have formed, which usually takes around four weeks. Once the roots have formed, the new plant can be transplanted into its final location.
In conclusion, Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on the grower's preferences and resources.
Disease Management
The Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens, commonly known as the hairy tickseed, is a hardy and robust plant species known for its prolific bloom and attractive appearance in gardens and landscapes. However, several diseases can affect the health and productivity of the plant. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
1. Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, which infects the roots and stem of the plant, causing wilting and death. To manage fusarium wilt, it is crucial to use diseased-free seeds and avoid planting Coreopsis pubescens in soil that has previously grown infected plants. Moreover, ensure good soil drainage to minimize the risk of waterlogging, which favors the growth of Fusarium. Applying a fungicide product like chlorothalonil can also help to control Fusarium wilt, but ensure you use the correct dosage and timing to prevent phytotoxicity.
2. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as white powdery patches on the foliage and flowers of the plant, causing reduced growth and eventual leaf death. Some preventive ways to manage powdery mildew include keeping the humidity levels low, avoiding overcrowding of plants, and providing adequate space between plants to allow for air circulation. The application of neem oil or potassium bicarbonate can also help control Powdery Mildew growth, but it is essential to start the treatment as soon as you notice any signs of an outbreak.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Coreopsis pubescens is also susceptible to pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can cause leaf damage, reduce growth and limit the plant's productivity. Here are some pest management strategies to consider:
1. Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing the plant to weaken and wilt. To manage aphids on Coreopsis pubescens, use an insecticide that has an active ingredient like imidacloprid or spinosad. Alternatively, you can use insecticidal soaps that are gentle on the plant and eco-friendly. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can also be effective in controlling aphids.
2. Spider Mites
Spider mites are another common pest that can infest Coreopsis pubescens. They appear as tiny, reddish-brown insects that spin webs on the plant's leaves and stems, leading to discoloration and stunted growth. Miticides that contain abamectin or bifenthrin can be used to control spider mites. Some natural remedies like neem oil and insecticidal soaps can also help to limit their growth.
3. Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to yellow and fall off. To control whiteflies, you can use a sticky trap or yellow-colored card that attracts them. Insecticides that contain neem oil, pyrethrins or insecticidal soap can also help to control whiteflies, but it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid any damage to the plant.
In conclusion, understanding disease and pest management is crucial in ensuring the overall health and productivity of Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. pubescens. By implementing the above strategies, you can minimize the risk of disease and pest outbreaks and protect the plant's productivity.
