SafePlants

Bidens coronata: Crowned Beggarticks

Bidens coronata, commonly known as crowned beggarticks, is a fascinating plant with several interesting characteristics. Other common names include bur marigolds, cobbler's pegs, Spanish needles, tall swamp marigold, and tickseed sunflower. It is also referred to as Tall Tickseed-sunflower and Swamp Tickseed.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant's common name "beggarticks" derives from its ability to stick to clothing and possibly fur.

Considerations for Children

• The plant's common name "beggarticks" derives from its ability to stick to clothing.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bidens coronata (L.) Britton
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Bidens coronata var. brachyodonta
  • Bidens coronata var. tenuiloba
  • Bidens trichosperma (Michx.) Britton - Sometimes used synonymously, but also treated as a distinct species.

Distribution and Habitat

• Bidens coronata is a native species found in marshes and wetland margins.
• It is absent from northern New England.
• Specific locations mentioned include Minnesota and Virginia, USA.
• Also noted as being found in Maryland.

Morphological Characteristics

• The plant produces yellow flowers, typically 1 to 2 inches across, with 8 petals and a small button center.
• It is a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• Can reach a height of 40-48 inches.

Quirky Facts

• Eight-petaled flowers are noted as being somewhat rare.

Traditional Uses

• The Seminole people traditionally used the whole plant. An infusion of the roots was taken for sun sickness, eye disease, headache, and high fever.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The plant is so named because it tends to stick to clothing.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Discover Life: Biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution.
• Dave's Garden: A community for sharing gardening tips, seeds, and plants.