Species Connecticut Beggarticks

Connecticut Beggarticks

Bidens heterodoxa

Connecticut Beggarticks (Bidens heterodoxa) is a showy, annual wildflower belonging to the aster family. With its numerous golden-yellow, composite flower heads, it typically grows 1-2 feet tall, preferring wet ground in full to partial sun. Its lance-shaped leaves are around 2-3 inches long. Connecticut Beggarticks are often found along roadsides, rivers, and lake edges, and attract pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and birds. Their spread is aided by wind, rain, and animals that spread their seeds. This plant is important both ecologically and culturally, providing important habitat for wildlife as well as existing in the folklore of many indigenous tribes.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Swamp Beggarticks need to be watered consistently throughout the growing season, which is typically from late spring to early fall. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist, but not soggy. If the soil is allowed to dry out between watering periods, the plant will have difficulty establishing a deep root system. Water slowly, letting the water seep into the soil, and never let the soil dry out completely. During especially hot weather, water the plant more frequently, as it needs more water during this period. In the winter, stop watering the plant completely and allow the soil to become completely dry.

sunlight

Swamp beggarticks require full sunlight throughout the day, preferably from when the sun rises until mid-afternoon. The ideal amount of sunlight for this species is around 8 – 10 hours. They prefer sunny areas, with little shade. They do best in direct sunlight, but can survive in partial shade for a few hours as well. Furthermore, they will require at least partial shade during the hottest hours of the day to prevent them from wilting.

pruning

The best time to prune Swamp Beggarticks is early spring while the plant is still in its dormant stage. This will help promote new growth and encourage the plant to form a bushier, denser shape. Pruning should be light, removing no more than 1/3 of the plant, as the plant is easily stressed. Remove only spindly, weak or dead branches, leaving the healthy, mature growth in place. Pruning back perennials in late winter and early spring helps to stimulate new growth and prevent overcrowding of the plant in the warmer months.

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