Tall beggarticks
bidens triplinervia
Also known as: ["Tall tickseed","Three-nerved beggarticks"]
Overview
A tall, herbaceous annual plant in the daisy family, known for its yellow flowers and barbed seeds that cling to clothing and fur.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Bidens |
| Botanical Name: | Bidens triplinervia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: border plantings or mixed perennial beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or coarse sand; can include peat for moisture retention.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks during active growth; light pruning can be done as needed year-round.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to avoid scorching; provide shade during peak afternoon sun in hot regions; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light cycles.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct sun; avoid placing near east-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes, avoid compacted soil, refresh top layer annually, check pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but avoids extremes; prefers cooler temperatures at night.
Avoid sudden temperature changes, maintain consistent night/day cycles, protect from drafts or direct heat sources.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize only when actively growing, flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup, avoid over-fertilizing which can burn roots.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or moist soil; division of clumps is also effective for mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting below a node, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone (optional), 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; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can root in water initially.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix, plastic bag or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease, maintain high humidity, avoid direct sun during rooting, check for roots before potting up.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; trim stems just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or leggy growth to encourage bushier form; shape as needed to maintain compactness.
Tools
Sharp, clean pruners or scissors, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune during active growth, remove dead/damaged parts, shape evenly, 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 any circling roots, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, avoid fertilizing for a month.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot, prepare new soil, inspect roots, position plant correctly, water lightly, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches, allow excess water to drain completely, water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, use pine bark fines for aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, stunted growth, or yellowing leaves; buds may fail to open or drop prematurely.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or necrosis; prolonged exposure can lead to root damage or death.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots with bubble wrap, avoid placing near drafty windows or doors, use a space heater if necessary.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow, and flowering may be reduced.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity with misting or a humidifier, ensure adequate watering, avoid placing near heat sources.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer correctly, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves, flush periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume seeds or roots of Bidens triplinervia. The effects are generally not life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of seeds or roots may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs. The plant does not typically cause severe systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicBidens triplinervia contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Bidens triplinervia toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does Bidens triplinervia spread?
A: It spreads through its barbed seeds that attach to animals and clothing, facilitating dispersal over long distances.
Q: Is Bidens triplinervia suitable for garden cultivation?
A: While it can be grown in gardens, it is often considered a weed due to its aggressive self-seeding habits.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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