No images found for this plant ID: 5674.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "5674" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
fewflower beggarticks
Scientific Name: Bidens leptocephala
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Beggarticks: A Detailed Look
Beggarticks refer to several plants within the genus Bidens, belonging to the aster family, Asteraceae. These plants are known by various common names and exhibit interesting characteristics that contribute to their spread and ecological role.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Bidens species have prickly fruit that can stick to fur, potentially causing irritation or discomfort.
- Certain species of Bidens have seeds described as being "exceedingly sharp."
Considerations for Children
- Some Bidens species have prickly fruit that may cling to clothing.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Bidens L. (genus)
- Family: Asteraceae (Aster family)
- Common Names: Beggarticks, Spanish needles, Beggartick, Devil's beggarticks, Stickseeds, Bur-marigolds
- Examples of Species:
- Bidens leptocephala Sherff (Fewflower Beggarticks, Few-flower Beggarticks)
- Bidens frondosa L. (Devil's Beggartick)
- Bidens vulgata (Tall Beggarticks)
- Bidens cernua (Nodding Beggarticks)
- Bidens connata (Purple-stem Beggarticks)
- Bidens alba
- Bidens aequisquama
- Bidens pilosa
Distribution and Habitat
- Beggarticks are often found growing near freshwater sources but not directly in the water.
- Bidens frondosa (Devil's Beggartick) is found widely in damp ground and swamps.
- Bidens cernua (Nodding Beggarticks) inhabits shorelines and edges of pools and wetlands.
- Hairy beggar-ticks are native to tropical America.
- Bidens frondosa has been introduced to Bulgaria and is considered invasive.
Ecological Role
- Beggarticks are known for their phenomenal spread and colonization, partly due to their effective seed dispersal mechanisms.
- Some species, like Bidens frondosa in Bulgaria, are considered invasive.
- The seeds can remain viable for up to five years, contributing to their persistence.
Morphological Characteristics
- Beggarticks can range in size, with some species reaching up to 1 meter in height.
- Some are medium, shrub-like plants.
- They may be annual or herbaceous species.
- Stems can be glabrous (smooth) or have a few scattered white hairs.
- Leaflets may have a few short hairs.
- Flowers:
- Flower heads typically range from 1.0 to 1.5 centimeters in diameter.
- Flower head single, with few green, lance-shaped, leafy bracts at base, nodding as they mature
- Flower heads may consist of inner disc flowers (brownish) and outer ray flowers (yellow to orange).
- Some species have ray florets, while others lack them.
- The "bur-like" flower heads are relatively few and large on some species.
- Fruit:
- Devil's Beggarticks have prickly fruit that facilitate seed dispersal by sticking to surfaces.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The flowers are pollinated by bees.
- Two polka-dotted wasp moths gather nectar from Bidens alba flowers.
- Seeds are dispersed via animals by sticking to them.
Quirky Facts
- Young leaves of some Bidens species are suitable for salads.
- Some believe that infusions of devil's beggar-ticks have herbal remedy qualities for irritation.
- Some compare the fragrance of the disc flowers on Purple Stemmed Beggar Ticks to medicine.
Further Resources
- The National Wetland Plant List