Identification
This annual grows up to 3 feet tall. The undivided lance-shaped leaves are opposite on the stem, sharply toothed and without stalks. The flower disks are dull yellow, without petal-like ray florets. Leaf-like bracts (A,B) – about 8 frame the flower disk – are lance-shaped and much wider than those of the other beggar ticks species. The round seed heads contain many flat, brown seeds; seeds usually have 3 barbed awns, the central one shorter than the others, designed to stick to fur and clothing.
Grows near water, flowering from August through October. Uncommon in wet areas on the floodplain at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods.
Of the 5 Beggar Ticks (Bidens species) identified at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods, only 2, Bur Marigold (B. cernua) and Beggar Ticks (B. comosa) have simple, undivided leaves. Bur Marigold is easily separated by its showy yellow ray florets and undivided stalkless leaves that clasp the stem. Beggar Ticks (B. comosa) has no ray florets and large leafy bracts directly underneath the flower head.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.