Beggar Ticks
Bidens frondosa
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Pl. 950B — Bidens frondosa
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IOverview
Overview
Beggar Ticks, scientifically known as Bidens frondosa, is an annual plant native to a wide range of North American states and provinces including Alabama, Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Colorado, and others. This plant thrives in moist environments with light soil types such as sandy, medium, or clay, and requires full sun exposure. Growing up to 1.5 meters tall, Beggar Ticks is known for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to gardens where both ornamental beauty and culinary use are desired. Its distinctive feature includes small, hooked bracts that easily attach to clothing or animal fur, giving the plant its common name.
Quick answers
What is Beggar Ticks?
Beggar Ticks, scientifically known as Bidens frondosa, is an annual plant native to a wide range of North American states and provinces including Alabama, Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Colorado, and others.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Beggar Ticks thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This annual plant grows up to 1.5 meters tall and is native to a wide range of states and provinces across North America. It is hardy in temperate regions but may not survive in extremely cold or hot climates outside its natural range. For propagation, seeds can be sown directly in the garden once the danger of frost has passed. The edible parts are the leaves, which can be harvested throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Beggar Ticks for the first time
8steps
Start with Beggar Ticks as an easy-to-grow annual for a beginner gardener.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, garden soil, containers if planting indoors.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before the last expected frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in the garden or start indoors and transplant seedlings when they are about 5 cm tall.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Provide full sun exposure for best growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water as needed, especially during dry spells. Pinch back stems to encourage bushiness and prevent legginess.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to maintain shape and remove dead flowers. Leaves can be harvested for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Beggar Ticks (Bidens frondosa) are edible and can be consumed fresh or cooked. Typically, they are prepared by boiling or steaming before consumption. Skip the raw form due to potential bitterness.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Michigan, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Brunswick, Alberta, Kansas, Louisiana, Manitoba, Mississippi, Missouri, Colorado, Nevada, Connecticut, Arkansas, Delaware, Iowa, District of Columbia, British Columbia, Massachusetts, Maine, California, Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 950b3ac7-fffa-4875-86f7-00a99e7b471b
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