Tall beggar-ticks (Bidens vulgata, Pittonia 4(21): 72 (1899))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Greene

Bibliography: Pittonia 4(21): 72 (1899)

Year: 1899

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Bidens

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canada to U.S.A.

Description

Tall beggar-ticks, scientifically known as Bidens vulgata, is a notable plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant, first described in detail by Greene in the bibliographic reference Pittonia 4(21): 72 (1899), is primarily observed across a wide geographic range, spanning from Canada to the United States.

The Tall beggar-ticks plant is well-adapted to various environments within these regions, thriving in both natural and disturbed habitats which often include marshes, wetlands, and meadows. As a member of the Asteraceae family, it shares common characteristics with other daisy-like flowering plants, exhibiting a composite inflorescence that comprises multiple small flowers grouped together to form what appears to be a single flower head.

This species is particularly distinguished by its tall and erect stature, often reaching impressive heights. The leaves of Bidens vulgata are typically oppositely arranged, with serrated margins that contribute to its distinctive appearance. The flowers are usually yellow, radiating from the central disk, which, upon maturation, give rise to seeds equipped with barbed bristles. These bristles are highly effective in hitching rides on passing animals or humans, thus aiding in seed dispersal—a characteristic trait referenced by the common name “beggar-ticks.”

Beyond its ecological role, the plant has drawn attention due to its potential impact on agriculture and its ability to thrive in various environments, often leading it to be considered a weed in some regions. Its presence, however, is also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Asteraceae family.

Understanding the distribution and characteristics of Bidens vulgata not only enriches botanical knowledge but also aids in managing its spread in environments where it may present challenges. The detailed description and observation dates back to Greene’s work at the turn of the 20th century, reflecting the long-standing interest and importance of this species in botanical studies.

Common Names

Deu: amerikanischer zweizahn
Fra: bident répandu, bident vulgaire
Eng: big devil’s beggartick, tall beggar-ticks, tall beggarticks, western sticktight, big devil’s beggarticks, bur-marigold, common beggarticks, downy beggarticks, tall beggars’ ticks, tall burr marigold
Swe: västskära
En: Tall beggar-ticks, Big devil’s beggartick, Tall beggarticks, Western sticktight, Bur-Marigold, Tall beggars’ ticks, Big devil’s beggarticks, Common beggarticks, Downy beggarticks, Tall burr marigold, Big devils beggartick
Fr: Bident vulgaire, Bident répandu
De: Amerikanischer Zweizahn
Sv: Västskära

Synonyms

• Bidens vulgata f. puberula ((Wiegand) Fernald)
• Bidens vulgata var. dissectior (Sherff)
• Bidens vulgata var. puberula (Greene)
• Bidens vulgata var. schizantha (Lunell)
• Bidens puberula ((Wiegand) Rydb.)
• Bidens frondosa var. puberula (Wiegand)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Sep 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Patrick Ressayre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2021 by Jessica Gaber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2019 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 14, 2019 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Patrick Ressayre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2021 by Jessica Gaber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2021 by Jessica Gaber (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Habit

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Bark

Taken Sep 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Patrick Ressayre (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5391810)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:309058-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bidens vulgata Greene)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Soil nutriments: 8