beggar's ticks, black jack, cobbler's pegs, Spanish needle
bidens pilosa
Also known as: ["beggar's ticks","black jack","cobbler's pegs","Spanish needle"]
Overview
A widespread annual herbaceous plant known for its small yellow or pinkish flowers and barbed seeds that cling to clothing and animal fur.
Benefits & Perks
["disease resistant","fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Bidens |
| Botanical Name: | Bidens pilosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden beds, borders, or containers in warm climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required unless grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but performs best with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; deadhead flowers as they fade.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily; adjust for intense summer sun by providing some afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun to prevent scorching; for indoor plants, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to diffuse strong sunlight; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better growth.
Temperature
Thrives in warm conditions, 70–85°F (21–29°C); tolerates heat well; avoid exposure to frost or prolonged cold.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather; adjust watering based on temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; reduce frequency during dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings; seeds can also be used but may result in variable traits.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting below a leaf node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain temperatures around 70–75°F (21–24°C).
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat and perlite or cactus soil.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Roots typically form within 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, propagation medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; trim spent flowers just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools, prune dead or damaged growth, remove spent flowers, shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size, use fresh soil mix, trim roots if necessary, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water Bidens pilosa when the top inch of soil feels dry; increase frequency during hot, dry periods; reduce watering in winter or cooler months.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf discoloration, and may lead to plant death if frost occurs.
Solution: Move potted plants indoors during cold spells; provide frost protection for garden plants; avoid watering when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering if water and light are not managed.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during active growth, avoid over-fertilization, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume Bidens pilosa. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause mild irritation or discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Bidens pilosa can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort if consumed in significant amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicBidens pilosa contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions in some individuals. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be problematic for sensitive individuals or in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Bidens pilosa toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data to confirm toxicity to pets.
Q: How does Bidens pilosa spread?
A: It spreads via its barbed seeds that attach to passing animals and clothing, facilitating wide dispersal.
Q: Is Bidens pilosa suitable for garden cultivation?
A: While it can be grown, it is often considered a weed due to its aggressive spreading nature.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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