The genus Bidens belongs to the daisy plant family (Asteraceae) and is made up of more than 200 species worldwide. The large genus Bidens contains annual and perennial herbaceous plants which grow anywhere from 10 to 150 cm tall. Bidens has many common names including beggartick, black jack, bur marigold, cobbler’s pegs, Spanish needle, tickseed sunflower, to name just a few!
Bidens ferulifolia, "Taka Tuka" hybrid (shown here) is a compact perennial (often grown as an annual) originally from Mexico, growing to 60cm tall. The green divided leaves form a neat mound, and the striking daisy like flowers with gold centres and red/orange outer petals bloom in the heat of summer. Suitable for wildflower plantings, beds, borders and containers, are also ideal for hanging baskets. Drought tolerant once established.
After pollination, elongated seeds with dark shells form the so-called achene fruits. They have an appendage for propagation, called a pappus, which inspired many of the common names used for Bidens. It usually consists of two bristle-like teeth with small hooks, which hook into the fur of animals when they brush past the flowers, transporting the seeds over long distances.
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