SafePlants

Beck's Water-Marigold (Bidens beckii)

Beck's water-marigold, also known as Beck's beggar-ticks or Beck's marsh marigold, is an aquatic plant found in shallow waters. This perennial forb/herb, belonging to the genus Bidens, is recognizable by its presence in lakes and slow-moving rivers.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bidens beckii Torr. ex Spreng.
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster/Sunflower family)
• Synonyms: Megalodonta beckii (Torr. ex Spreng.) Greene, Megalodonta nudata Greene
• Other Names: Megalodonta beckii var. beckii, Megalodonta beckii var. oregonensis

Distribution and Habitat

Beck's water-marigold is native to Canada and the northern United States. Specifically, it can be found in southern British Columbia and central Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia. It thrives in the soft substrates of lakes and streams, typically in ankle-deep water or deeper, emerging from stagnant or slow-moving water.

Common Names

• Beck's Water-marigold
• Beck's Beggar-ticks
• Beck's Marsh Marigold
• Water Marigold
• Water Beggarticks
• Henderson's water-marigold
• Oregon water-marigold

Morphological Characteristics

• Classified as a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that isn't a grass.
• Leaves are primarily emergent from the water when present.

Ecological Role

Fanwort is often confused with Beck's water-marigold, indicating similar habitats or appearances. It is also considered an emergent and submersed plant species and is state threatened in some regions.

Interactions With Other Organisms

• Mentioned in connection with the "marsh wren" and "the marsh fern moth."
• Often confused with other aquatic plants like fanwort, leafy milfoils, bladderworts, hornworts, and mermaid weeds.