nodding beggartick

Bidens cernua L.

characteristics

Annual that grows from a taproot. Often branched stems are upright or rooting at nodes along the ground; they can be smooth or hairy. Linear or lancelote opposite leaves are pointed at the tip. Vivid yellow flowerheads are surrounded by narrow, leafy bracts. Initially erect, flowers nod with age. Fruit is a green-black achene with barbed awns; an effective method of seed dispersal: awns attach to whatever brushes against them. Also known as bur marigold, nodding bur marigold, nodding burmarigold, nodding burr-marigold, sticktight.

130,000 seeds/pound; starts from seed.

habitat

Pond, lake, and swamp edges, wet meadows, roadside ditches, marshes, bogs, and areas of disturbed wet soil.

uses

Seeds may be eaten by ducks and songbirds.