Bidens ferulifolia
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: BEGGAR'S TICKS, BURMARIGOLD, PITCHFORKS, SPANISH NEEDLES, STICKTIGHT, TICKSEED
Native to: Guatemala, Mexico, Southern United States
Plant
Types: annual, perennial
Forms: clumping, erect
Max height: 1 foot
Max width: indefinite
Flower
yellow
Leaf
green
Horticulture
Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, bird, specific butterfly species
Plant part consumed by birds: seeds
Exposure: sun
Landscape use: flower fragrant
Propagates by: seed
flowers in fall
Soil type: wide range
USDA Zones: zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f, zone 10 to +30 f, zone 11 to +40 f
Temp. range: +10 to above +40 °F
Water: regular
Butterflies that feed on this plant
Bidens, or BEGGAR'S TICKS, a member of the Compositae family, contains 270 species. Bidens attract many adult butterflies and hosts a few as well. When allowed to mature on the plant, the seeds are consumed by birds. Bidens prefer regular watering.
The fall flowering Bidens ferulifolia is quite commonly available for sale and can grow from seed. It is hardy in Zones 8-11, flowers in fall, and grows to a foot tall. It is treated as an annual in frosty Zones. It can be grown in a container and will attract honey bees.
This plant, as with others in the Compositae family, attracts a long list of butterflies to nectar on the blossoms.
