White Beggarticks
Bidens alba
Also listed as Bidens oxyodonta, Coreopsis alba
Also known as Spanish Needles, Spanish Needle, Shepherd's Needles
Climate Match for your location
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A warm-season annual with small yellow flowers followed by distinctive barbed seeds that cling to clothing and animal fur. Commonly found in disturbed areas, it spreads readily and can become weedy in gardens.
Why grow it
Bidens alba establishes quickly in warm climates where other annuals may struggle, making it useful for rapid soil stabilization or temporary ground cover in disturbed sites. Unlike many ornamental alternatives, it requires no fertilizer or supplemental watering once established and produces reliable volunteer seedlings year to year. The seed dispersal mechanism, while problematic in cultivated gardens, can be leveraged intentionally for erosion control or habitat restoration in less managed zones.
Watch out for
White beggarticks thrives in warm conditions but may struggle or behave less vigorously in cooler climates. The barbed seeds are extremely persistent in fabric and animal bedding, requiring careful handling during harvest or cleanup to prevent unintended dispersal. If managing this plant for seed collection or forage use, wear smooth synthetic clothing to minimize seed attachment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Tropical and subtropical Americas
Native to: Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A warm-season annual with small yellow flowers followed by distinctive barbed seeds that cling to clothing and animal fur. Commonly found in disturbed areas, it spreads readily and can become weedy in gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well White 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 alba establishes quickly in warm climates where other annuals may struggle, making it useful for rapid soil stabilization or temporary ground cover in disturbed sites. Unlike many ornamental alternatives, it requires no fertilizer or supplemental watering once established and produces reliable volunteer seedlings year to year. The seed dispersal mechanism, while problematic in cultivated gardens, can be leveraged intentionally for erosion control or habitat restoration in less managed zones.
Watch out for
White beggarticks thrives in warm conditions but may struggle or behave less vigorously in cooler climates. The barbed seeds are extremely persistent in fabric and animal bedding, requiring careful handling during harvest or cleanup to prevent unintended dispersal. If managing this plant for seed collection or forage use, wear smooth synthetic clothing to minimize seed attachment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Tropical and subtropical Americas
Native to: Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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