Devil's beggarticks(Bidens frondosa)

Devil's beggarticks (Bidens frondosa)

Also known as: Bur marigold, Devil's bootjack

Bidens frondosa, known by several names such as devil's beggarticks, devil's pitchfork, sticktights, pitchfork weed, and common beggar-ticks, is a plant species originally from North America. It has become invasive in New Zealand, where it is regarded as a troublesome weed.

Attributes of Devil's beggarticks

Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
20 cm to 60 cm
Spread
60 cm to 90 cm
Leaf Color
Green Red
Flower Size
1.2 cm to 2.5 cm
Flower Color
Yellow Gold

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Images of Devil's beggarticks

Devil's beggarticks(Bidens frondosa)
Devil's beggarticks(Bidens frondosa)
Devil's beggarticks(Bidens frondosa)
Devil's beggarticks(Bidens frondosa)

Quickly Identify Devil's beggarticks

1
Bidens frondosa can be identified by its opposite, pinnately compound leaves and yellow, daisy-like flowers. The seeds are a key identification feature; they have barbed awns which help them stick to passing animals and humans. The stems are often purplish and slightly hairy.

Scientific Classification of Devil's beggarticks

Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Asterales
Family
Daisy
Genus
Beggarticks
Species
Devil's beggarticks

Planting and Growing of Devil's beggarticks

Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 8 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
6-10 hours
Ideal Temperature
60-75℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Terracotta

water icon How to Water Devil's beggarticks?

Bidens frondosa prefers consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged. Ideally, water the plant until the soil feels damp but not soggy, approximately 150 ml per session. This helps keep the plant hydrated without suffocating its roots.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Devil's beggarticks?
What should I do if my Devil's beggarticks is not getting enough water?
What are the symptoms of an overwatered Devil's beggarticks?
How to save an overwatered Devil's beggarticks?

sunlight icon What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Devil's beggarticks?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun
Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours
Bidens frondosa prefers full to partial sunlight. Ideal light enhances its flowering and overall vigor, ensuring it maintains its natural growth patterns.
What are the lighting requirements for Bidens frondosa?
How can I ensure Bidens frondosa gets the ideal sunlight?
What benefits does ideal sunlight provide Bidens frondosa?

temperature icon What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Devil's beggarticks?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉
The ideal temperature range for Bidens frondosa is between 60°F to 75°F. This range ensures robust growth and helps the plant thrive by maintaining metabolic activities at optimal levels. Consistent temperatures within this range can promote flowering and nutrient absorption, key for overall health.

soil icon What Soil is Best for Devil's beggarticks?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam
Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5
Bidens frondosa thrives in well-drained soils. Proper drainage helps prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot, ensuring robust growth and vibrant foliage. This plant prefers a fertile soil rich in organic matter. Such soils provide essential nutrients for healthier plants with more lush and vibrant blooms. While well-drained soils are crucial, a certain level of moisture retention ensures that the plant remains hydrated during dry spells without becoming waterlogged.

fertilize icon How to Fertilize Devil's beggarticks?

Fertilizer type: Balanced
Bidens frondosa thrives with moderate fertilization. When using liquid fertilizers, it’s important to apply a balanced mix at half the recommended strength. For solid, slow-release formulas, use 1 teaspoon per square meter to provide a steady nutrient release without overwhelming the plant.

prune icon How to Prune Devil's beggarticks?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Look for older, woody stems that are not producing flowers. These can be cut back to encourage new growth and improve air circulation. Trim back stems to maintain a pleasing shape, encouraging a fuller appearance. This can be aesthetically pleasing and encourages more blooms.

propagate icon How to Propagate Devil's beggarticks plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Late Spring,Early Spring
1
Fill the seed trays with a moist, well-draining soil mix. Ensure the mix is lightly packed to allow seeds to settle without being exposed.
2
Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the soil surface, ensuring they are spaced adequately to prevent overcrowding. Cover them lightly with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite.
3
Water the trays gently to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle to mist the surface, avoiding heavy watering that could displace the seeds.

repot icon How to Repot Devil's beggarticks plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years
1
Keep an eye on the roots; if they start to coil around the base or peek out of the drainage holes, it's time to repot. Additionally, if the plant seems stunted, despite ideal conditions, it might need more room to grow. Spring or early summer is ideal as the growing season kicks in.
2
Select a pot that is one size larger with good drainage holes. A terracotta pot can be a great option as it allows moisture to evaporate quickly, which benefits Bidens frondosa by avoiding root rot and ensuring the soil doesn't stay too wet.
3
Use a well-draining loamy mix, enriched with organic matter. This kind of soil mimics its natural habitat, ensuring good aeration and nutrient availability, promoting robust growth and preventing waterlogging, which could damage the plant.

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