Beggar's Ticks
Bidens pilosa
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Pl. 4E1D — Bidens pilosa
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IOverview
Overview
Beggar's Ticks, known botanically as Bidens pilosa, is an annual herb that thrives in a variety of environments across Central and South America, from the Caribbean to parts of Mexico and Venezuela. This plant is native to regions like Argentina Northeast, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil Southeast, Colombia, Costa Rica, and more. It prefers full sun, moist conditions, and can grow in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. Standing up to 1 meter tall, Beggar's Ticks is notable for its distinctive bristly seed heads that easily attach to clothing or animal fur, earning it the common name. The plant is edible, with leaves and shoots being the parts used in culinary applications.
Quick answers
What is Beggar's Ticks?
Beggar's Ticks, known botanically as Bidens pilosa, is an annual herb that thrives in a variety of environments across Central and South America, from the Caribbean to parts of Mexico and Venezuela.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Beggar's 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 meter tall and is native to a wide range of Central and South American countries as well as parts of the Caribbean. It can be propagated by seed and its leaves and shoots are edible. Given its adaptability, it should grow well in temperate regions with proper care.
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 Beggar's Ticks for the first time
7steps
Start with Beggar's Ticks by planting them in a sunny spot and providing basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Beggar's Ticks after the last frost in spring.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay textures.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep; space plants about 30-60 cm apart for easy maintenance.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, regular watering, and occasional pruning to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune plants in late summer to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Americas17 regions
native (17)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaParaguayPeruPuerto Rico
Broader regions
native:Mexico Northeast, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Southwest, Argentina Northeast, Mexico Central, Mexico Southeast, Panamá, Argentina Northwest, Brazil South, Leeward Is., Brazil Southeast, Mexico Northwest, Galápagos
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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