Bidens frondosa aka Devil's Beggarticks

Bidens frondosa belongs to Asteraceae, the daisy family. It is an annual, with a life cycle of one growing season. Its native range spans Canada and the United States. It grows in regions with a temperate climate. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Names for it include devil's beggarticks and sticktights. American small bur marigold is another name for this same species. In California, it grows on damp ground in waste places.

The plant reaches about 5 feet [1.5 metres] tall. It bears flowers from July to October. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees and hoverflies carry pollen to help them set seed. Seeds ripen from August to October. The plant may still bear flowers at that time. The supplied accounts give no more facts about leaf shape. They also give no further details of stems or fruit form.

Plants for a Future says it prefers moist soil. It can grow in sand, loam, or clay soils. Its stated pH range is mildly acid to mildly alkaline. It does not grow in shade. The same source suggests full sun and soil that holds moisture. But these growing notes draw on the needs of the genus as a whole. The source is unsure how well it grows outdoors in Britain. Its native range suggests spring-sown plants may thrive across much of Britain.

The source lists seed as the means to grow new plants. Plants for a Future advises sowing in a greenhouse in early spring. Use just a thin layer of soil to cover the seed. Move young plants to their own pots once large enough. The guide says to plant them out in May. It also suggests trying to sow straight into the ground in mid to late spring. It lists garden beds as a place to grow this plant. It notes use for display, but warns it may become a weed. Keep that warning in mind when choosing where to grow it.

You can cook young leaves and stems for food. Plants for a Future gives its food use a low rating. It lists no known hazards. This does not prove that the plant is wholly safe. The source notes past use for urinary tract complaints. It also cites tests on extracts of its essential oil. These looked at effects that fight bacteria and act as antioxidants. Such reports do not prove home treatment is safe or works. The supplied evidence gives no pest or disease details for this species.