Bidens alba (Beggarticks)

Bidens alba (Beggarticks) is an erect annual or short-lived perennial with opposite, simple, or trifoliate, dark green leaves and a profusion of white daisies on long stalks. Blooming all year round, with a peak from spring to fall, the small blossoms feature 4-5 long and broad white petals surrounding many tubular yellow disc florets. They are wonderful for attracting pollinators. Beggarticks is a larval host for the Dainty Sulphur butterfly and a favorite nectar source for a myriad of butterflies. In Florida, it is the third most common source of nectar for honey production. The flowers give way to barbed achenes that stick to clothing, hair, and animal fur. Beggarticks is native to Florida, South America, and the West Indies, where it grows in disturbed areas, such as on roadsides and in pastures. It is particularly abundant in open and sandy areas. It is suitable for casual settings and wildflower gardens. Its young leaves and flowers are edible.

• Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall and wide(30-90 cm). Will self-sow generously and be quite weedy.
• Performs best in full sun in dry, well-drained sandy soils to rich, moist soils.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Pull this plant before it goes to seed to prevent it from taking over your garden.
• Propagate by seed (no treatment). A single plant can produce up to 6,000 barbed seeds dispersed by wind and water, often adhering to clothing, feathers, and fur.
• Native to Florida, South America, and the West Indies. It has been introduced to the Pacific region and is now naturalized on many islands.