Apache beggarticks (Bidens ferulifolia)
Bidens ferulifolia is a creeping, trailing herbaceous plant that can be grown in flower beds, pots, or hanging baskets. Sources describe its life cycle differently: it is described as a perennial and a short-lived perennial, and is often grown horticulturally as an annual.
Overview
Bidens ferulifolia is a creeping, trailing herbaceous plant that can be grown in flower beds, pots, or hanging baskets. Sources describe its life cycle differently: it is described as a perennial and a short-lived perennial, and is often grown horticulturally as an annual.
Origin and habitat
Its native range includes at least Mexico; sources differ on whether it is also native to the United States or ranges from the southern United States to Guatemala.
Characteristics
Sources differ, with the few available reports indicating a mature height of about 10–50 cm. A single source reports a mature spread of about 100–150 cm. The deciduous leaves are small, bright green, and finely divided, giving them a delicate appearance. Sources describe the daisy-like flowers differently: RHS describes them as deep yellow, while Top Tropicals also reports colors ranging from white to off-white, red to deep red, and yellow to orange.
Light
Bidens ferulifolia grows in full sun.
Watering
It is drought tolerant and suits well-drained to moist but well-drained growing media; Top Tropicals recommends moderate watering after the surface has dried.
Temperature and dormancy
RHS and Top Tropicals provide hardiness classifications for Bidens ferulifolia. It is reported to be frost tender and should be kept above freezing.
Growing medium and mounting
It is reported to grow in chalk, clay, loam, or sand, provided drainage is good, and to accept acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil.
Propagation
It is reported to be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.
Common problems
It generally has few pest problems and few disease problems. It is drought tolerant but sensitive to frost, and freezing conditions should be avoided.
Identification
Bidens ferulifolia has finely divided green leaves with a fern-like texture, a creeping or trailing habit, and daisy-like flowers.
Photos
