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

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Root Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Connecticut Beggarticks should be given around 1-2 inches of water per week. Water the plants first thing in the morning before the sun gets too hot; this will help the water reach the roots more deeply. Allow the top inch or 2 of soil to dry out between waterings. If the plant is in a container, allow some of the water to run out of the drainage holes. During particularly dry and hot periods, increase the amount of water given. Be aware of overwatering; it can cause fungal diseases to occur. During winter, water only enough to keep the soil from completely drying out.

sunlight

Connecticut Beggarticks (Bidens heterodoxa) prefer to grow in areas of full or partial sun. Growing in the sun will help the plants to bloom and produce vivid, yellow, star-shaped flower clusters. Planting in shady or semi-shady spots will result in fewer flower blooms but the plants will still be able to survive. During the spring and summer months when the days are longer and the sun is more intense, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight is recommended for Connecticut Beggarticks. This will help them to thrive and produce more flowers. During the shorter days of the winter, Connecticut Beggarticks can handle 4-6 hours of direct sun, although they may become leggy and spindly if they don't get enough light.

pruning

Connecticut Beggarticks (Bidens heterodoxa) has a moderate growth rate and should generally be pruned in the late winter or early spring, right before new growth begins. Trimming away any straggly growth and crossing branches can result in a fuller, more healthy looking plant. This species of begger's-ticks does not have to be pruned heavily, but removing any obtrusively large branches or sections can provide a better overall look, help with flowering, and even improve air flow throughout the plant. For best results, use sharp pruning shears and make clean, precise cuts.