Bidens

• Bidens spp.
• Beggar ticks, Sticktights, Spanish needle

Forb

Bidens is most often found in moist areas.

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma

Bidens flowers are yellow, 1 to 1-1/2 inches across.

Scott Sudkamp, Missouri Department of Conservation
 

Leaves of some species are pinnately compound.

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma

Two or three prongs extend from the seed and readily cling to fabric and fur to facilitate distribution. Despite these sharp points, many birds relish bidens as food.

Steve Hurst, USDA-NRCS Plants Database

Description

Twelve species of Bidens are known to occur in the Midwest; Bidens artistosa, B. bipinnata, and B. frondosa are among the most common. Flowers are yellow, daisylike, and about 1 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Some species have simple leaves, while the leaves of others are pinnately compound. Mature seeds are two- or three-pronged with small barbs and readily attach to clothes, hence the common names beggar ticks and sticktights. Bidens species tend to be found in wet or moist areas.

Bloom period

May to October

Use by bobwhites

Bidens seeds are relished by ducks and are eaten by bobwhites as well. This plant also serves as brooding cover for chicks, which are attracted to the cool, insect-rich environment in which it grows.