Golden Tickseed

bidens aurea

Also known as: ["Yellow Beggar-ticks","Golden Beggar-ticks"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Bidens Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, known for its bright yellow daisy-like flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Bidens
Botanical Name: Bidens aurea

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sheltered spot or container on a patio
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control size and shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to brighter light to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors; indoors, keep near an east or west-facing window.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth often indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); can tolerate a range of 50–85°F (10–29°C) but thrives in moderate warmth.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from cold drafts; maintain moderate humidity.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growing season (spring and summer)

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, place in medium, keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix or water with occasional changes.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may take 1–2 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or jars, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut just above a leaf node or bud.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools, prune dead/damaged parts, shape as desired, clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Prepare new pot, trim roots if crowded, use fresh soil, water lightly, place in appropriate light.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution; water deeply to encourage root growth; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or yellowing leaves in cold; stunted growth or leaf burn in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or drop; prolonged cold can lead to root damage.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; use a space heater if necessary.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow or stop.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season, dilute fertilizer, water before feeding, avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring and summer); reduce or stop in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Bidens aurea may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as spider mites or aphids, which disrupt nutrient uptake and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Bidens aurea is often a sign of water stress, either due to underwatering or root rot caused by overwatering, leading to impaired water absorption and transport.

Leaf spots on Bidens aurea are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in discolored, necrotic areas on leaves that can lead to defoliation if severe.

Rotting in Bidens aurea, particularly root or stem rot, is commonly caused by fungal pathogens in waterlogged soil, leading to decay, loss of structural integrity, and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats that ingest Bidens aurea seeds may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The toxicity is low, but symptoms can occur with significant consumption.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep seeds out of reach of cats. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Ingestion of Bidens aurea seeds by dogs may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The compounds present are not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent dogs from consuming seeds. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Bidens aurea seeds contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea stomach discomfort diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of seeds. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Bidens aurea attract pollinators?

A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Q: Is Bidens aurea toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How often should Bidens aurea be watered?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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