Devil's Beggarticks, Common Beggarticks, Stick-tight, Pitchfork Weed
Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Magnoliophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: Asterales; Family: Asteraceae; Genus: Bidens; Species: Bidens frondosa · Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family) · Compound (Pinnate). Usually 3 to 5 leaflets. Deciduous annual.
Species
Bidens frondosa
Leaf Type
Compound (Pinnate). Usually 3 to 5 leaflets. Deciduous annual.
Family
Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family)
Shape
Lanceolate leaflets, often deeply lobed or divided. The terminal leaflet is usually the largest.
Size
Whole leaf unit typically 2 to 8 inches long. Individual leaflets are 1 to 4 inches long. The specimen shown appears within the standard 3-5 inch range.
Margin
Serrate (sharply toothed)
Arrangement
Opposite (leaves occur in pairs along the stem)
Rarity
Very Common (widely distributed weed of wetlands and gardens)
Color & Pattern
Dull medium-green upper surface, slightly paler underside. No distinct variegation. Stems are often tinged with purple or reddish-brown.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with a distinct midrib on each leaflet and secondary veins extending to the tooth tips.
Texture & Surface
Glabrous (smooth) to slightly pubescent (fine hairs) on the undersides and along the margins. Leaf texture is thin and papery.
Description
Devil's Beggarticks is an upright annual herb reaching 1-4 feet. It produces small, inconspicuous yellow flower heads that lack prominent ray petals (petals looking like a daisy). Its most famous feature is the small, flat, brown seeds (achenes) equipped with two barbed awns that cling to fur and clothing.
Key Features
Opposite pinnate leaves with sharply toothed margins; inconspicuous disc-flower heads with leafy bracts; barbed seeds that stick to fabric.
Habitat
Moist to wet soils; commonly found in ditches, pond edges, marshes, damp meadows, and disturbed wet areas.
Geographic Range
Native to North America (most of US and Canada). Widespread as an introduced, sometimes invasive species in Europe, Asia, and New Zealand.
Condition Notes
The specimen is a pressed herbarium-style sample. The leaves appear slightly wilted or dried but maintain their morphological integrity. Overall health grade: Good (preserved).
Interesting Facts
The name 'Bidens' comes from the Latin for 'two teeth,' referring to the barbed awns on the seeds. These seeds are a classic example of zoochory (seed dispersal by animals).
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used by some Native American tribes as a treatment for throat irritation and respiratory issues. In landscaping, it is rarely used purposefully and is usually considered a garden weed.
Ecological Role
Provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. The seeds are eaten by some waterfowl and marsh-dwelling birds. It helps stabilize soil in riparian zones.
Similar Species
Bidens vulgata (Tall Beggarticks) which has more numerous outer bracts and larger flower heads; Bidens tripartita (Three-lobed Beggarticks) which has simple lobed leaves rather than fully compound leaflets.
Foraging Tips
Look for this plant in late summer and autumn near water sources. It is easily identified once the seeds develop and begin sticking to your socks.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans and common pets, though the barbed seeds can cause minor skin irritation or discomfort if they become embedded in the skin or fur.