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Description
Bidens Tenuisecta, commonly known as the Arizona beggarticks, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. This plant typically grows up to two feet tall and has a spread of approximately one foot. It is an annual plant that blooms from summer to fall, producing yellow flowers that look like daisies. The flowers are small, measuring approximately 1 inch in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eukarya | Plantae | Spermatophyta | Angiospermae | Asterales | Asteraceae | Bidens |
Appearance
Bidens Tenuisecta has a slender stem that is hairy and slightly ridged. Its leaves are pinnately divided, with each leaf having five to seven lobes. The lobes are linear and toothed, with a length of up to 1 inch. The leaves are hairy and have a rough texture. The plant produces yellow flowers that have a diameter of approximately 1 inch. The flowers have a central disk that is surrounded by numerous ray flowers. The plant’s fruit is an achene that measures approximately 0.1 inch and has two barbed awns.
Care Guide
Bidens Tenuisecta is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
Water
Arizona beggarticks prefers to grow in moist soil. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Soil
This plant thrives in well-draining soil. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
Sunlight
Bidens Tenuisecta prefers full sun exposure. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may not bloom as profusely in shaded areas.
Hardiness Zones
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Arizona beggarticks is generally pest-resistant, but it may be susceptible to spider mites or aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be prone to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew or leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, water the plant at the base and avoid getting the leaves wet. Remove any infected leaves promptly.
Habitat
Bidens Tenuisecta is native to the southwestern United States, where it grows in desert regions, rocky slopes, and open woodlands. It can also be found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Bidens Tenuisecta be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers. Use a well-draining potting mix and water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist.
Q: Does Bidens Tenuisecta attract pollinators?
A: Yes, this plant attracts bees and butterflies with its yellow flowers.
Q: How often should Bidens Tenuisecta be fertilized?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Bidens Tenuisecta a good plant for xeriscaping?
A: No, this plant prefers moist soil and is not suitable for xeriscaping.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Bidens Tenuisecta:
- Bidens Alba
- Bidens Aristosa
- Bidens Bipinnata
- Bidens Pilosa
References
- “Bidens Tenuisecta.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=BITE2
- “Bidens Tenuisecta.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281441
- “Bidens Tenuisecta.” Plant Database. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Bidens+tenuisecta
