Devil's Beggarticks
Bidens frondosa
Also listed as Bidens melanocarpa
Also known as Common Beggarticks, Beggar-ticks, Stick-tights
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A fast-growing annual wildflower with small yellow flowers and distinctive barbed seeds that readily stick to clothing and animal fur for dispersal. Common in disturbed areas and along roadsides.
Why grow it
Bidens frondosa establishes quickly in poor or disturbed soil where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for rapid ground coverage or erosion control on marginal land. Unlike slower-growing native alternatives, it flowers prolifically within a single season and attracts pollinators reliably. It requires minimal maintenance once established and tolerates compacted or degraded sites that would challenge more demanding species.
Watch out for
Bidens frondosa self-seeds readily and can dominate garden spaces if seedheads are left unharvested. Deadhead spent flowers promptly to prevent prolific volunteer seedlings in subsequent seasons. The barbed seeds are effective at hitchhiking on clothing and equipment, so clean thoroughly after handling to avoid transporting them to unintended areas. In wet conditions, plants may become leggy and benefit from occasional cutting back to encourage bushier growth.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North American native
Native to: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A fast-growing annual wildflower with small yellow flowers and distinctive barbed seeds that readily stick to clothing and animal fur for dispersal. Common in disturbed areas and along roadsides.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Devil's Beggarticks grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Bidens frondosa establishes quickly in poor or disturbed soil where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for rapid ground coverage or erosion control on marginal land. Unlike slower-growing native alternatives, it flowers prolifically within a single season and attracts pollinators reliably. It requires minimal maintenance once established and tolerates compacted or degraded sites that would challenge more demanding species.
Watch out for
Bidens frondosa self-seeds readily and can dominate garden spaces if seedheads are left unharvested. Deadhead spent flowers promptly to prevent prolific volunteer seedlings in subsequent seasons. The barbed seeds are effective at hitchhiking on clothing and equipment, so clean thoroughly after handling to avoid transporting them to unintended areas. In wet conditions, plants may become leggy and benefit from occasional cutting back to encourage bushier growth.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North American native
Native to: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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