This is a truly delightful native annual wildflower that flowers in late fall when little else has any color. The massive of bright yellow flowers bring a spark of color to an otherwise dying garden landscape. For this reason alone it is worth adding to the garden flora. Prefers to have more moisture so is best of wetter areas in full sun or partial shade but needs no care once established. Will self seed in ideal conditions and can form large colonies. Deer may eat some but don't seem to bother it that much.
Description
An native fast growing annual it produces slender mid green compound leaves
of 3-7 segments arranged in opposite pairs. Each leaflet is slender pointed
ellipses with strongly serrated edges. Complete leaves can be as much as 8"
long and 4" across in mature plants. The stems are stiff, reddish in color
and much branched producing a slender semi bush like plant. Plants can grow
from 3' - 5' in height. The flowers are produces at the ends of each stem and
are bright yellow, daisy like, each about 2" across and as many as 10 petals
with yellow and brown centers. The flowers are slightly fragrant which can become
very noticeable in a large colony. The flowers appear in a late fall when little
else is often flowering.
Works well in a wet meadow, ditch or in a mass in areas where color is needed
in late fall. Ideal for bog garden, and large rain gardens, do not use in small
rain gardens as they can overwhelm other smaller plants.
Location and care
Prefers full sun in moist or slightly wet conditions. Ideal for moist ditches
runoff areas and rain collection areas. Not recommended for rain gardens and
it can take over the whole area with its spreading nature. Prefers richer organic
soil, which most often occurs in wet areas anyway. Can be grown in dryer areas
provided it is watered, a soaker hose around the roots is idea. However pick
a location that gets some shade during the day to compensate for the reduced
water. In moist sunny conditions it will easily reseed itself and can create
large colonies that can be aggressive if not controlled. However it does produce
a really lovely flower display under such conditions. If not desired cut down
before seeds fall.
Growing
Can be sown in situ after all danger of frost has passed or started in pots
in mid to late winter.
Outdoors. Clear area of all weeds and prepare soil, dig in any organic
material if the soil does not have a reasonable amount already. Sow seeds thinly
and cover lightly. If area is moist enough no additional weeding should be necessary.
If a dryer location water daily until the seedlings have established. Thin to
about 18-24" apart. Set a soaker hose around the plants roots and allow
to run about 1 hour per day at least. No further care should be needed until
plants need to be cut down in winter.
Indoors. Sow in mid to late winter. Follow general
growing instructions for medium seed.
Uses
Excellent cut flower.
Other names.
Beggar's Ticks, Swamp Marigold's, Bearded Beggarticks