A Spreading Method for Verbesina Occidentalis

Description

• Identifying Verbesina occidentalis can be difficult as it is similar in appearance to V. alternifolia. The difference between the two is the way leaves are arranged on the stem. V. occidentalis has opposite leaves, meaning they are arranged directly across from each other; V. alternifolia has alternating leaves, meaning they are not directly opposite each other on the stem. Stems are winged, or ridged, for nearly their entire length. Odd-numbered, seemingly random arrangements of yellow ray flowers surround clusters of yellow disc flowers. These wildflowers are perennial and can grow quite large at up to 10 feet.

Spread

• Yellow crownbeard flowers from August to October and produces black seed heads surrounded by dry, tan-colored disc flowers. As with many perennials, it spreads by vegetative growth, sending new flower stems up from the root crown in the spring. The plant also reseeds reliably if flower heads are left on the plant.

Pollination

• For Verbesina occidentalis to produce seeds for reseeding, the flowers need to be pollinated. Insects are typically responsible for its pollination. Butterflies are known pollinators of this weedy wildflower and the silvery checkerspot even uses it at a larval host, laying eggs within its leaves. The rusty-patched bumblebee is also known to pollinate yellow crownbeard in the wild.

Collecting Seeds

• If you like the tall yellow flowers of Verbesina occidentalis and want to give your landscape a wild look, you can collect seeds in the fall and save them for planting later on. The plant is found from Maryland to Florida in meadows and on roadsides. In early winter, when the seed heads are thoroughly dry, tie a paper bag around the stems and cut them from the plant. Label the bag and place it in a cool, dry place for the winter. In spring, break open the seed heads and plant the seeds in a sunny spot. Water frequently until the plants are established and then give them about 1 inch of water a week.