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cosmosflower beggarticks

Scientific Name: Bidens cosmoides

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Bidens: A Diverse Genus of Flowering Plants

The genus Bidens belongs to the aster family, Asteraceae, and encompasses a wide variety of flowering plants. They are known by several common names, including Beggar-ticks, Stickseeds, Tickseed Sunflowers, and Bur-Marigolds.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some Bidens species, like Bidens bipinnata, produce "ticks" that may cling to animal fur.

Considerations for Children

  • Some Bidens species, like Bidens bipinnata, produce "ticks" that may cling to clothing.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Several species and synonyms are noted, including:
    • Bidens glaucescens Greene (Nodding Beggarticks, Nodding Bur-Marigold)
    • Bidens cervicata (Cosmosflower Beggarticks)
    • Synonyms for Bidens cervicata:
      • Bidens xdimidiata
      • Campylotheca cosmoides
      • Coreopsis cosmoides
    • Bidens cosmoides (A. Gray) Sherff (Cosmos-flower Beggarticks)
    • Bidens aurea (Arizona Beggarticks or Bur Marigold)
    • Bidens aristosa var. mutica (Swamp Marigold)
    • Bidens frondosa (Daisy Beggar-ticks or large-leaved beggarticks)
    • Bidens ferulifolia (fern-leaved beggarticks)
    • Bidens pilosa (Hairy beggarticks)
    • Bidens laevis (Smooth beggarticks)
    • Bidens cernua (Nodding Burr-marigold, Nodding Beggartick)
    • Synonyms for Cosmos atrosanguineus:
      • Bidens atrosanguineus

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bidens species are found in various habitats, including damp ground, swamps, and wetlands.
  • They are widely distributed, especially in North and South America.
  • Bidens aurea (Arizona Beggarticks) is native from Mexico to South America but can be grown as an annual in northern Europe.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Flowers often have ray flowers and a central disc.
  • The outer flowers in the compound head typically have five petals.
  • Some species, like Bidens aristosa var. mutica, have exceptionally large ray flowers.
  • Flowers may be lemon yellow tipped with white.
  • Flowers are apical forming heads with a diameter of 2-4 cm and with 5-10 ray flowers.

Ecological Role

  • Some Bidens species are considered weeds or invasive in certain regions.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Bidens plants attract bees and other pollinators.

Quirky Facts

  • The common name "Devil's Beggar-ticks" is associated with some Bidens species.
  • Some species became known as "Taiwanese cosmos" after becoming naturalized in certain areas.