Bidens aristosa (Tickseed Sunflower)

Bidens aristosa (Tickseed Sunflower) is a fast-growing annual or biennial boasting a profusion of bright yellow daisies, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), held on long erect stalks. Blooming in mid to late summer, the large blossoms feature 6-8 bright yellow ray florets surrounding yellow disc flowers in their center. Rich in nectar, the flowers are a good pollen and nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. They are carried above the bushy foliage of alternate, pinnately or bipinnately dissected leaves. The flowers give way to thin dry seeds that often have barbs. Songbirds, finches, sparrows, and ducks feast on them. Tickseed Sunflower is suitable for growing in naturalized prairie or meadow plantings or along the edge of a woodland.

• Grows up to 24-48 in. tall (60-120 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm). Will self-sow generously.
• Performs best in full sun in moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant to partial shade and wet soils.
• A welcomed addition to prairies and meadows, native plant gardens, and rain gardens, along ponds and streams.
• Easy to grow, relatively pest and disease-free, Bidens aristosa is moderately resistant to damage from deer.
• Keep an eye out for mottle virus, cercospora leaf spot, white smut, downy mildew, powdery mildew, and rust.
• Mulch to control seedlings or hoe lightly to uproot them.
• Propagate by seed in spring.
• Native from southeastern Canada to the U.S.A.