Spanish Needles
Bidens bipinnata
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Pl. E011 — Bidens bipinnata
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IOverview
Overview
Spanish Needles (Bidens bipinnata) is an annual herb that thrives in moist to well-drained soils and full sun, reaching a height of about 1 meter. Native to the southeastern United States and parts of Canada, this plant can be found growing wild in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and other states. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, Spanish Needles is also ornamental, with distinctive feathery leaves that give it a unique appearance. Its light requirements and soil preferences make it adaptable to various garden settings where it can add both beauty and utility.
Quick answers
What is Spanish Needles?
Spanish Needles (Bidens bipinnata) is an annual herb that thrives in moist to well-drained soils and full sun, reaching a height of about 1 meter.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Spanish Needles thrive in full sun and prefer moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This annual plant grows up to 1 meter tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Propagate via seeds directly sown into the garden bed once the danger of frost has passed. Harvest the leaves and shoots for culinary use throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Spanish Needles for the first time
8steps
Start with Spanish Needles for a low-maintenance, beginner-friendly project.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun. Ensure soil is well-draining but moist; amend as needed for your local conditions.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, about 30 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Keep the area weed-free, especially in the first few months. Water when dry, about 2-3 times a week depending on weather.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, neglecting regular pruning, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: Condiment, Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Rhode I., Texas, Ontario, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Brunswick, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Virginia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · e01153a3-fa83-44b1-8f72-c7a03e05d1d2
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