SafePlants

Bidens discoidea: Small Beggarticks

Bidens discoidea, commonly known as small beggarticks, is an annual herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. Other common names include swamp beggar-ticks and discoid beggarticks.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces burs that may attach to animal fur.
• The text mentions the presence of "small, seed-like fruits," which could pose a choking hazard if ingested.

Considerations for Children

• This plant produces burs that may attach to clothing.
• The text mentions the presence of "small, seed-like fruits," which could pose a choking hazard if ingested.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bidens discoidea (Torr. & A. Gray) Britton
• Family: Asteraceae (Daisy or Dandelion Family)
• Genus: Bidens
• Species: discoidea
• Synonyms: The text lists Bidens discoidea (Torr. & A. Gray) Britton

Distribution and Habitat

• Small beggar-ticks is native to New England.
• It is found in damp ground, swamps, and shorelines.

Morphological Characteristics

• Bidens discoidea is an annual herb that can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) in height, but is often smaller.
• The leaves are oppositely arranged and lance-shaped.
• Upper stems terminate in individual or small clusters of 2-3 flowerheads.
• The peduncles of the flowerheads are relatively short (up to 12 mm).
• It is a rayless member of the genus, lacking colored ray florets on the flower head, or has heads rarely with very small rays.
• Outer phyllaries are generally present.
• The text mentions small petal-less yellow flower heads with 2 to 5 long spatula-shaped outer bracts

Ecology

• Burs produced by the plant aid in its spread and colonization.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Discover Life: Discover Life
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden New York Metropolitan Flora Project (NYMF)
• Dave's Garden: Dave's Garden
• ITIS Name: Bidens